INTERPRETIVE MEDIA A Report on Minneapolis Discovery and Progress at the lnstitute of Arts

Integrating new information technologies into any traditionally conservative environment presents program planners, designers and developers with many complex logistical, technical, and political challenges. This type of integration is particularly challenging when content, installation and operation directly impact the traditional appearance of the institution. Over the last three years, The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) took on such a challenge by initiating a plan to integrate interactive multimedia throughout the museum. Many obstacles were encountered and many lessons were learned. This paper examines the evolution of the process, creative team and technology during the development of the first five interactive multimedia programs. The plan to integrate interactive interpretive programs museum-wide was a component of a major capital campaign initiated in 1989. Posed as a method to increase visitor effectiveness via new forms of powerful educational technology, the proposed programs gained the support of the museum trustees as well as some primary funders. In early 1990 the Institute received one million dollars from the General Mills Foundation for the development of fifteen computer-based "interactive video" programs. The content and installation of these programs were designed to cover the breadth of the museum's encyclopaedic collection. An objective of the MIA's increased emphasis on interpretive materials, especially interactive technologies, was to reach non-traditional audiences as well as enhance the experiences of the traditional visitor. Non-traditional audiences were defined as general visitors with a moderate to high interest in art, but with little or no formal background in art or art history (ICI, 1993). The MIA defines interactive multimedia as a program which actively engages visitors in accessing audio and visual information (ICI, 1993). This is accomplished technically through the integration of a microcomputer , touchscreen monitor, speakers and when required, videodisc player. Applications To address the varying needs and interests of both the traditional and non-traditional visitor, three major types of interactive multimedia programs have been developed and installed within the museum. These include: a Visitor Directory programs a Galleryspecific Multimedia Programs a 'New Beginnings' Capital Campaign program The Visitor Directory program was designed as an extensive information resource available to visitors as they enter the museum. Content: Within the directory program visitors can access text, video and graphic information on current exhibitions; daily and weekly events; gallery design and location; self-guided tours; programs for families and children; and museum services. l h @ t k m ~ The Chair of the Education Division …