Interactives in Museum Exhibitions

NAME, the National Association for Museum Exhibition, announces a workshop
focusing on interactivity and interactives in museum exhibitions.  The
workshop will be held on Saturday, November 8 at the Connecticut Science
Center in Hartford, CT.

Interactivity has come to be expected in museums by visitors and by other
museum professionals.  But what is it?  Why do we want it?  Why do our
visitors want it? Is it electronics?  Computers? Things to push, pull, or
twist?  Can it be more subtle?  How do we choose the best method?

This workshop focuses on developing an understanding of the concept of
interactivity and how the concept can be applied to exhibitions.  On the
practical side, the workshop will address guidelines for choosing an
interactive method and review production methods, installation, and
maintenance.

The workshop is designed for individuals that work in museums, nature
centers, and other exhibit-related organizations interested in communicating
ideas through exhibitions.  All levels of skills and resources will be
addressed in the workshop.

The workshop is divided into two half-day sessions focusing on:

  *   Developing an Interactive Attitude
              Develop a working definition
              Learning styles
             Visitor Experience and Expectation

  *   Getting Interactivity Out On the Exhibit Floor
             Setting objectives for interactives
             Using the visitor & visitor research
         Choosing the best medium or method
             What are the options?
             Engaging all the senses

*Fees:*

NAME members:           $55.00
Non-members:            $80.00
Students:                       $30.00*

*Each workshop location will accept two museum studies or design students
interested in a career in exhibition work above the maximum number specified
for each workshop location.  A $30.00 fee is required to cover the cost of
lunch and membership in NAME and CARE.  Proof of student status must be
submitted with your workshop application.

*The Place*
The Science Center of Connecticut
950 Trout Brook Drive
West Hartford, CT 06119

*Date and Time*
Saturday, November 8, 1997
10:00am to 5:00pm

*To Register send the following information along with a check made out to
NAME to:

Name:
Position:
Organization
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone/Fax/E-mail

along with a check made out to NAME to:

New England Museum Association
Boston National Historical Park
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129

For additional information e-mail to Whitney Watson, NAME Program Chair,
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