Academy Studios Hits the Road

Some members of our team took a museum tour to keep current on the new exhibitions in the Bay Area. With visits to the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) and the de Young Museum, our team has new inspiration in our work and project ideas.

MoAD opened in late 2005, the first institution to explore the African Diaspora. The developers put a great deal of effort to make the experience unique and emotional. For example, music followed us during our visit, setting the pace and emotional level for each gallery. Marcus Shelby scored the “MoAD Suite” (also available for sale in the gift shop). Other highlights included: a video about South African apartheid in the Freedom Theater and a contemplative area where visitors can listen to slave narratives as read by contemporary actors.

The de Young Museum has gotten lots of press for its engaging architecture. But we focused our attention on new technology presented in their Kimball Education Gallery. The “rainbow pen” interactive is a simple, open-ended activity that was as captivating as it was beautiful. We are researching other applications for the holopro interface at other institutions.

The Chicano exhibit, also at the de Young, was the favorite exhibit at the office. Its exhibit developers infused all of the media programs and content with a funny, informal tone. Not an easy feat!

Overall, the staff that we met with at MoAD and the de Young gave us a new appreciation for the application of media and technology in exhibitions. Technology is important, but the stories and content always need to come first.

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