Andrea Mercer

Andrea has also had a pivotal role in the significant 10 year development, co-production and transformation of the Museum of Making in Derby. Her crucial work in the extensive redevelopment has left a lasting impact, resonating with visitors and the community alike and shaping the museum’s identity and purpose. Notably, Andrea has been instrumental in leading, co-designing, and implementing the ‘Institute of STEAM’ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) creative learning and engagement programme at Derby Museums, encompassing formal and informal initiatives, projects, and events. This programme, supported by Rolls-Royce, is rooted in the rich heritage of Enlightenment thinking, making and innovation. Additionally, Andrea has spearheaded the retrofitting and programming of ‘The Makory,’ an ex mobile library, into a mobile museum of making, further expanding the reach and influence of these activities. 

Her extensive experience also encompasses working on a range of impactful projects and programmes at the intersections of various disciplines and across a broad spectrum of fields including manufacturing, the built environment, design, architecture, education, community engagement, creative learning, industry, museums and cultural heritage. Andrea is a keen advocate for co-production and an interdisciplinary, and human-centred, approach to learning. She is passionate about developing people’s skills and capacities, enabling a realisation of peoples’ fullest potential, and holds specific interests in design thinking, STEAM, and maker education. Andrea’s passion for these areas reflect a broader dedication to pushing conventional boundaries, promoting creativity and critical thinking and learning through making.