Listen to the Gears: 7

Since listening to the Museum of Science, Boston podcast about vaccines a couple of weeks ago, I have been mulling over ideas. They discussed developments in cancer innoculations, but I have been considering the concept that museum visits could be prescribed as defence against aspects of the human condition.

‘Visits as vaccines!

Don’t end up complacant, bigoted or bored: attend your local gallery now!’

A vaccine introduces a little of the disease into your system to produce antibodies against it. How could this work in a museum situation? Could visiting the slavery exhibits and education sessions at the Royal Naval Museum help to vaccinate against bullying? Too harsh? What about a prescription to view some Gilbert and George to dissuade homophobia? Could it be a way for museum education to branch out in the future?

Of course, these visits could also be prescribed as alleviators of existing symtoms. Tate Britain did this with leaflets a couple of years ago.  They were pretty good, as I remember but I think it could go further than ‘maybe go and see this if you like cheerful yellow’.

I watched a wine podcast this week. I came away from it all gung-ho for trying out some red wine, and frankly I don’t even like it all that much. The point is that the presenter was really enthusiastic about his subject. I’d love museums to be that ebullient about their objects sometimes too. With some thought, this could work alongside the visits as vaccines idea.

This wine review had certain elements:

A bit about the region, how the wine is made, how much was produced, which were the best vintages, what the soil is like in the vineyard, a little about the owner, the maker, occasions you might drink it, and obviously its bouquet and palate.  This would be a great way to talk about an object (well, except for the tasting). In fact it is exactly the way we are taught to look at an object. Hang on…

As I said, I don’t know much about wine and I particularly value the ‘what to eat with it’ part of a review. Its something I don’t yet have the intrinsic judgement for. This could be used to aid cautious museum visitors. How about a ‘what to view next if you liked this, or it made you feel better?’ kind of application for museums? Leaving behind the leaflets of the Tate, augmented reality could really bring this idea into play. How about a trail that could vaccinate against first-date nerves or feeling down? All through viewing objects and learning about them. Imagine a virtual curator asking you what kind of mood you are in and suggesting that you go and view this sculpture because it sounds just right for you. And enthusiastically telling you a bit about why once you got there. In simple terms it would be like one of those flow charts where the answer to a question might lead you in a number of directions. Through the museum? Outside to see some public art? To another museum entirely?

Enthusiasm for a subject can get people to try something new. It might even change their whole outlook and improve their life. Don’t you think museums should try these ideas out?