In a quick response to its COVID-19 imposed closure, UC Santa Barbara’s Art, Design & Architecture Museum has transferred all it operations to the virtual realm to reach the community both within and beyond the university.
All the exhibitions that were on view in the museum’s galleries have been converted into online portals, documented with photos and explanation and augmented by videos featuring artists and curators. At the same time the AD&A is presenting some of its classic architecture installations in digital form.
“Following our closure on March 14, we began thinking about creative ways of enhancing our service to the community,” said acting director Silvia Perea in a press release.
Viewers are are welcome to explore these enriched versions of the exhibitions here. These include Irresistible Delights, which showcases pieces from the permanent collection which were donated to the museum over the past decade, and Hostile Terrain 94, which focuses on the plight of undocumented migrants.
Additionally, the museum has launched two online contests, and encourages everyone to participate. Fables in Labels invites adults to pen brief historic fictional accounts for one of its precious Renaissance medals, depicting the Roman Emperor Caracalla. And ADA in Space challenges kids of all ages to contribute their artistic visions of life on another planet. The museum is soliciting submissions from those affiliated with UCSB and the community at large.
Those who appreciate art and architecture can browse through the Architecture and Design Collection and the Fine Art holdings to enjoy some of the highlights of the museum’s collections.
The AD& A would also love to hear from the public during these unprecedented times.
“As we enrich our digital media with engaging and thought-provoking materials, we welcome your ideas and feedback. Kindly send us a note with your suggestions or questions,” said Perea.
The AD&A Museum at UC Santa Barbara, is both a teaching museum, committed to the development of critical thinking and visual literacy in support of the University’s goals of education, research, and service, and a resource for the wider Santa Barbara community. Its mission is to stimulate research, support artistic practice, and generate original programming through the Museum’s unique and richly nurtured collections.