Rethinking the cultural institution @ The Speed Museum of Contemporary Art

We have thought and written about many aspects of what exactly engagement marketing means.

Its ramifications, and, what other parts of society engagement ultimately affects.

There is no doubt in my mind that one of the areas that needs examination is the relationship of the cultural institution to its wider audience, community. In many ways cultural institutions suffer as much from being in broadcast mode as TV does.

If we think about it – the Victorians were the inventors of the mass cultural institution. Museums, are the aggregators of knowledge, which are specific in their interest. Military history, local history, Anthropology, Science, Fashion, Design etc.

However in the time of engagement, how do and why should cultural institutions engage with their wider community?

So, The Speed Museum which is part of the University of Kentucky are exploring this issue.

Flavia da Rin will be commissioned to create ten images, which will be displayed as billboards around the city of Kentucky during the months of January and February 2008. The sites will be dependent upon availability but each will be a 48ft x 14ft. billboard.

In addition to the billboard sites the project will have a web element. First access to this web element will be keyed by a text or web address that will be part of the billboard design. This key will lead the public to a blog or web site where the following elements will be set up.

And there is a whole lot more...

They have put together a very interesting project around the artist Flavia da Rin

The programme is in its development stage, and the curator of the Speed Museum of Contemporary Art is looking for a small team that can practically realise that goal.

So in true open source fashion, I am asking if there are web developers, mobile entreprenuers, or anyone else who gets excited by such a project, who, would be willing to explore and realise a project that investigates engagement within the context of cultural institutions in the early 21st Century.

Please leave a comment and your contact details and I can hook you up.

My belief is that Engagement will transcend marketing to: politics, education, organisations, & cultural institutions over the next 5 to 10 years.

So why not be a part of making history

Comments

[Todd Lowe]

The Speed Museum is not the "Speed Museum of Contemporary Art," nor is it affiliated with the University of Kentucky. It is on the campus of the University of Louisville, but is an independent institution.

[Alan moore]

Yes, Todd but the Speed does have a contemporary collection.

So can you help or am I just getting my knuckles rapped?

Alan

[Todd Lowe]

No knuckle-wrapping intended. I am on the Speed's board and just knew you'd want to have the facts correct on your blog.

[Alan moore]

OK Todd, many thanks and I checked the details with Julien Robson and I will amend

Thanks for posting

Alan

[Karen Millen outlet]

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No knuckle-wrapping intended. I am on the Speed's board and just knew you'd want to have the facts correct on your blog.

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OK Todd, many thanks and I checked the details with Julien Robson and I will amend