This event promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of various aspects of heritage, arts, and digital engagement.

Our distinguished speakers include:

Alex Flowers: Sculpture Collections as (Digital) Clay
A Director at Flow Associates.

Alex will discuss how the relative ease and accessibility of 3D scanning and 3D printing sculptures has created new opportunities for artists, educators and audiences to share, remix and reuse collections. A case study in engagement from a collaboration between the V&A and Great Ormand Street Hospital, and a second from Art UK and Dorich House, will look at the potential of 3D scanning and printing, the hazards and hope in managing copyrights, and how we can preserve our sculpture collections as malleable materials.

Alex Flowers is a director at Flow Associates, a consultancy specialising in supporting organisations in the cultural, research and science sectors to better reach the public and understand the impact of their work. Alex previously held roles at the V&A, leading their Digital Programmes team, and at Museum of London, developing events and installations which used digital technology to support learners and visitors to engage with London's past.

 

Melanie Lenz: Digital Collection
Digital Curator V and A

Melanie will explore the different ways the V&A has approached collecting, displaying, and preserving digital art and design since it first acquired computer-generated images in 1969. She will also consider some of the ethical considerations and logistical challenges of acquiring contemporary digital works and discuss the changing nature of audience engagement. 

The presentation will also encompass reflection on the museum's rapid response collecting initiative, and discuss the role of the curator, particularly in relation to the use of an algorithm to decide the placement of the works and the colour of the walls. The environmental impact of digital infrastructures will also be explored.

 

Rachel Tranter
Director, Group for Education in Museums (GEM)

Rachel will introduce us to GEM's mission of creating a connected community committed to enriching lives through learning across museum, heritage, and cultural settings. She will shed light on the various services GEM offers to museum educators, including professional membership, training opportunities, mentorship, and widespread representation.

 

Julie Cort: Unlocking Access: Setting Up and Running an Advisory Panel for Physical and Digital Inclusivity (Workshop)
Community Engagement Manager, Horniman Museum and Gardens

This enlightening talk will explore the strategies and steps involved in setting up and running an advisory panel dedicated to enhancing access and inclusivity. We'll uncover the critical role advisory panels play in developing inclusive experiences and the essential considerations. This will also include how the panel has advice on improving digital access of the museum.

 

Practical Workshop
 Digitally Unlocking the Collection: From 3D structured light Scanning to budget-friendly Photogrammetry methods and research applications
Introduction by Simon Hedges, Collections Manager, applications and demonstrations by Matt Simpson Collections officer and Richard Peretti Collections Volunteer.

3D structured light scanning is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to transform research, learning, and exploration. Come along to this practical workshop to see how it works, and learn how to harness the power of this technology even using your smartphone. Uncover the endless possibilities for research and learning as we explore its applications.

 

Workshop Highlights:

• Delve into the fundamentals of 3D laser scanning technology.
• Learn how it captures the physical world in three dimensions and what makes it a game-changer in various fields.
• Discover how your smartphone can be transformed into a 3D scanning device without breaking the bank. Learn about the necessary apps and accessories that can turn your phone into a powerful scanning tool.
• Unlock the research potential. Learn how this technology can enhance the learning experience for students and educators.

To ensure a dynamic and engaging symposium, our sessions will be chaired by Jeremy Kimmel, Director of Heritage, Arts, and Engagement. Jeremy's expertise and leadership in these fields will help us navigate the discussions and ensure a meaningful exchange of ideas and insights.