How Museums Used Digital Innovation to Survive and Democratize Art During Global Lockdowns
In short: When COVID-19 shuttered galleries worldwide, art institutions faced an existential crisis. Forced to move beyond their physical walls, curators turned to digital tools to maintain community connections. This shift did more than just preserve access; it transformed how we experience art, potentially changing the cultural landscape forever.
The pandemic forced a rapid, necessary evolution in the museum world. As physical spaces closed, institutions like the USC Pacific Asia Museum and the Armory Center for the Arts faced the challenge of delivering resonant experiences to homebound audiences. For the USC Pacific Asia Museum, this meant utilizing Matterport 3D technology to create immersive replicas of exhibitions like 'We Are Here,' which had been forced to close just three days after opening. This digital pivot allowed users globally to navigate galleries, listen to audio, and watch videos, effectively democratizing access to art that might otherwise have remained unseen.
Beyond mere accessibility, the digital transition facilitated deeper engagement with social justice. Virtual programming saw attendance figures soar; while in-person events typically drew 30 to 40 people, online discussions regarding refugee narratives and AAPI community issues attracted upwards of 800 participants. This surge in interest, particularly following the 2020 protests surrounding George Floyd’s death, empowered museums to move away from neutrality and use their platforms to host courageous conversations about identity, immigration, and systemic inequality.
The concept of 'making do'—a term derived from Michel de Certeau’s 1980 text 'The Practice of Everyday Life'—became the guiding philosophy for professionals worldwide. Whether it was broadcasting weaving performances on social media or digitizing interactive installations like Tanya Aguiñiga’s border-themed works, the goal remained constant: preserving intimacy in a disconnected world. While traditionalists argue that the essence of a museum lies in physical presence, the innovations born of necessity have proven that digital platforms can foster a bold, authentic, and daring connection between art and the public.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Making Do: The Impact of COVID-19 on Exhibiting Art | Met Speaks
- Also: Museums Brought Art to Your Smartphone. Are Digital Exhibits Here to Stay?
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