new media in Museums

I went to part 2 of a 'Storytelling in exhibits' series at the Design Exchange on Monday night (March 29 2010).

Three speakers were there- Dave Hollands from the ROM, Pat Hanson from gh3, and Brigitte Shim from Shim Sutcliffe. Dave was the star, he really knows his stuff, is empathetic and clearly sees the future in museums and access by the public. I have to admit to disappointment with the other two speakers, they designed galleries for their first time, and it made me inpatient to see some of what they did, how they did it , and the results.

Although there doesn't seem to be a planned 'new media strategy', the ROM has certainly stepped up to the plate in its new media offer. The ROM is very aware that people are carrying technology around with them, in the form of mobile devices that have cameras, video capability and texting options. Information is being transmitted with an immediacy unanticipated even when the ROM recently renovated. They are using various photo websites, creative commons usage for photos and commentary, and uncommissioned members of the public are creating 'renegade podcasts' of things they do and see at the ROM.

This phenomenon is providing unforeseen 'partnerships' that are changing the model for museums everywhere. No longer the reserved domain for commentary by post doctoral scholarship, the pressure on the ROM is to both accept the fact of content generation by anyone who cares to spend the time, but also to provide excellence in presentation, information, access, programs and above all access to learning.

My chief area of concern for most museums is that they lack real texture in their presentation. By this I mean that they assume people will engage through a very restrictive style of access to the 'goods' on display. That is generally through a little label, often crafted by someone who has a specialized knowledge of the object, and amazingly, often without really looking at the object to unravel the mysteries of what it presents with its public face.

Objects speak - to an aesthetic, to a sociology, history, quirkiness sometimes, to its own materiality and function. The best exhibits understand that objects can stimulate curiousity and wonder. Being able to interact, even in a minimal way, allows for greater engagement, and engagement allows for additional learning.

More next time......