Landscape Together’s Post

For the 2024 D&AD Annual, ArtReview’s Director of Digital Louise Benson explores the numerous campaigns and creative work for museums and cultural institutions in the 2024 D&AD Awards. She unpacks how branding plays a key role in museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum are fulfilling their goals of connecting contemporary and local audiences with their collections. Museums can be intimidating spaces, says Benson. Steeped in the violence of colonial history, weighed down by imposing architecture, and shrouded in often-obscure systems of knowledge, they are political and represent a significant source of soft power for a nation. But some institutions are looking to shake up that perspective. Among others, Benson takes a look at Lafayette American’s rebrand for Toledo Museum of Art, which is a playful exploration of the ongoing reinterpretation spanning from ancient to modern within the institution’s walls. Co-Founder Toby Barlow, explains, “We’re inviting people to interact and engage in a stronger way, taking these elements out of the archive and saying, ‘See what you can do with this. See how it reflects the way you can approach and play with art and the way you can move it around inside your own mind.’” Read the full feature here: https://lnkd.in/ecg8WzZ9 #dandad24 #museumvisit #brandrefresh #branding #brandinginspiration #brandingproject

Rediscovering Heritage: Why Museums Still Matter in Today's Digital Age" 🌟 In an era defined by screens and virtual experiences, the allure of museums may seem to dim in the eyes of today's generation. Yet, beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of invaluable experiences waiting to be unearthed. Museums are not just repositories of artifacts and antiquities; they are living, breathing narratives that connect us to our past, illuminate our present, and inspire our future. In a world inundated with information, museums offer a sanctuary of contemplation—a space where we can pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in the stories of civilizations long gone. By stepping through the doors of a museum, we embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that transcends time and space, inviting us to explore the wonders of the world and the depths of the human spirit. In today's fast-paced world, where instant gratification reigns supreme, museums offer a reprieve—a chance to slow down, engage our senses, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of our shared heritage. So, let us not overlook the profound value of museums in our digital age. Let us embrace the opportunity to wander through halls of wonder, to marvel at the masterpieces of art and science, and to reconnect with the stories that shape who we are. #RediscoverHeritage #MuseumMagic #culturalexploration

As visitor expectations continue to evolve, so too must museum spaces. Gone are the days when museums were simply places to view artifacts behind glass. Today’s audiences seek interactive, personalized experiences that resonate on a deeper level. Adapting to these changing demands is essential for museums to remain relevant and engaging. This evolution involves rethinking traditional layouts and incorporating flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of experiences, from hands-on activities to multimedia presentations. Creating adaptive museum spaces requires a balance between preserving the integrity of the collection and introducing new, engaging elements. It’s about understanding that visitors are not just passive observers but active participants in their learning journey. Whether it’s through modular exhibit designs that can be easily updated or creating communal areas that encourage social interaction, the goal is to create environments that are both inviting and intellectually stimulating. By staying attuned to the needs and desires of modern audiences, Riggs Ward Design helps museums transform their spaces into dynamic environments that inspire curiosity and foster lifelong learning. 📷 MUSE Winston-Salem #exhibitdesign #exhibitiondesign #exhibitdesigners #exhibitiondesigners #evolvingmuseums #museums #museumculture #museumprofessionals #communitydesign 

The Museum of Modern Art in New York contains one of the best modern and contemporary art collections in the world. Spanning the late 19th century to the present, its collection includes over 200,000 works. Thanks to the learning platform Coursera, it is possible not only to have a peek at the world’s best-recognized masterpieces but also develop critical thinking and deeper understanding of the artists’ processes. I am happy to have completed a course on 'Modern Art and Ideas' authorized by MoMA. It was truly inspirational to look at art through the prism of places, identities, and transformed everyday objects. But what’s really remarkable is how art can be a powerful response to social, cultural, and political issues. Even though art is not meant to provide all the answers, it helps us start asking the much-needed essential questions.    #modernart #contemporaryart #MoMA

What is a museum, really? 🤔 The ICOM says it’s a “permanent institution in the service of society… fostering diversity and sustainability… accessible, inclusive, and participatory.” The Museums Association says it’s a place for “Inspiration, learning, and enjoyment… holding collections in trust for society.” A recent 5-star reviewer of the Natural History Museum said it’s “a fascinating and awe-inspiring place…the perfect spot for both a fun and education experience”. After reading so much about museums, it’s got me curious… And now I’m asking LOADS of questions about it: Is there a limit to the size of a museum? (Could I create a “museum” in a shoebox? Could a city itself be classed as a museum?) Where does a museum’s “status” start and stop? What if a digital museum is down for maintenance—does it stop being a museum for that time? And where do the boundaries lie between a museum and an archive? (Hoping someone in my network can help with this one!) And then there's the old-school vs. new-school approach to museums—do we prioritise preservation or the public experience? How does that affect the definition of a museum? I’d love to hear what you think! 🏛️ #MuseumDebate #Museums #Heritage #Curator

What makes museums and visitor experience sites truly special? The ability to tell stories in 3D! Exhibit design transforms text, photos, oral histories, artifacts, data, and more into immersive experiences that connect people to the narratives being told. These multidimensional stories impart important messages about the world around us, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of history, art, science, and culture. Through thoughtful and engaging design, museums become spaces where stories come to life, leaving a lasting impact on all who visit. 📷 Library of Congress, "Exploring the Early Americas" #MuseumDesign #ExhibitDesign #ExhibitDesign #ExhibitionDesign #ExhibitDesigners #ExhibitionDesigners #MuseumPlanning #ExhibitPlanning #MuseumProfessionals 

Visiting art museums, art galleries and art centers, I often reflect on the importance of accessibility—both in terms of the physical space and the information shared with visitors. Recently, at an art museum in Luxembourg, I found the experience somewhat inaccessible. The art, while visually striking, was difficult to understand at first glance. There wasn’t enough context about the artists or the reasoning behind the exhibition choices. Without this, it’s hard for many visitors to connect deeply with the work. To make art more accessible, I believe museums should offer introductory videos from curators or artists, explaining the exhibition’s theme, the selection process, and the context behind the pieces. This kind of information can bridge the gap between those who are experts in the field and those who may be new to art, creating a more engaging and inclusive experience for all. Art should be something that anyone can appreciate—not just those with a deep academic understanding. It’s up to curators, artists, and museum professionals to make exhibitions more accessible, ensuring that everyone can engage with and appreciate the art in a meaningful way. I am happy to support and share my experiences, but also my expertise working in the field of digital interaction with museums and curators, hope you reach out to me 🙏🏽 #ArtForAll #MuseumAccessibility #InclusiveArt #CuratorialPractice #ArtEducation #CulturalInclusion #accessibleart #digitalexperiences #contextualdesign #designforall #accessibility #accessibleinformation

🖼️ The Transformation of the Museum der Moderne Salzburg Between 2018 and 2022, the Museum der Moderne Salzburg embarked on a journey of transformation, reshaping not only its physical space but also its cultural footprint under the visionary leadership of Thorsten Sadowsky. 🌟 Visionary Leadership As Director from September 2018 to September 2022, Thorsten Sadowsky was instrumental in developing a new vision and mission for the Museum. His leadership saw the adoption of a set of values that galvanized the entire Museum team, driving extensive renovations and repositioning the Museum as a vibrant hub of art, photography, and visual arts. 🛠️ Extensive Renovations and International Standards The renovation measures undertaken were comprehensive, upgrading various Museum buildings to align with international standards for barrier-free access. This commitment to inclusivity has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the Museum but also made it more accessible to a broader audience. 🗣️ A Forum for Critical Discussion Under Sadowsky's guidance, the Museum repositioned itself as an international center of competence for image cultures. It embraced its role as a forum for discussion, taking a critical stance towards both historical and contemporary issues. This approach has invigorated the Museum's agenda, making it a beacon for contemporary art and socially relevant debates. 🌍 Addressing Postcolonialism and Global Perspectives The Museum's agenda included a critical reappraisal of postcolonialism and a remapping of the world through the lens of art. This bold move has positioned the Museum as a pioneer in addressing complex global issues, making it a leader in the art world. 🔍 Insights and Delights This transformation journey offers profound insights into how cultural institutions can evolve to stay relevant in today's dynamic world. The delight lies in witnessing how art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and change, bridging gaps between the past and present. #MuseumDerModerneSalzburg #CulturalTransformation #ArtLeadership #InclusiveArt #GlobalArtDiscussion #PostcolonialismInArt #MuseumRenovation

Museums are often seen as places to explore history and culture, but we sometimes overlook one of their most important roles: collecting. 🏛️ The work of collecting goes far beyond displaying artifacts. It’s about preserving pieces of the past for future generations, ensuring that stories, knowledge, and culture don’t get lost over time. Whether it’s ancient artifacts, contemporary art, or even everyday objects, these collections help us build a bridge between the past, present, and future. Behind every exhibit is a team of dedicated professionals who carefully curate, research, and safeguard these items. Their work is essential to ensuring that what we see in museums isn’t just a snapshot, but a well-researched, contextualized piece of history. When museums collect, they’re not just gathering objects — they’re creating an archive of humanity's story. As we continue to evolve, these collections help us reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re going. So next time you visit a museum, remember that the work happening behind the scenes is just as important as the exhibits on display. 🙌 #MuseumWork #CulturalHeritage #Preservation #CuratingTheFuture #eminspost

Museums and libraries often feature rotating exhibits alongside their permanent collections. These temporary showcases offer a dynamic platform to highlight artifacts, stories, and themes that might not fit within the scope of permanent displays. From exploring niche topics to spotlighting emerging trends, temporary exhibits provide museums with the flexibility to stay current and experiment with new ideas. One of the most exciting aspects of temporary exhibits is their ability to address timely and relevant subjects. Whether it's a seasonal display at a nature center or an exhibit tackling pressing social issues, these installations offer visitors a fresh perspective on the world around them. Whether it's to spark dialogue, explore new narratives, or simply offer visitors something fresh and exciting, temporary exhibits can add vibrancy and depth to many museum experiences. If you're interested in exploring a new temporary exhibit idea, or thinking about converting a space into a rotating exhibit gallery, reach out to info@riggsward.com! 📷 "Two Hundred Years, Two Hundred Stories" at the Library of Virginia Silver MUSE Awards winner, 2023 #TemporaryExhibits #Temporaryexhibit #exhibitdesign #exhibitiondesign #exhibitdesigners #exhibitiondesigners