The intersection of physical and digital experiences, with Jane Alexander

In this podcast, Gemma Milne speaks with Jane Alexander, Chief Digital Information Officer at The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA), about how the museum has utilized technology to improve accessibility and visitor engagement with its collection. Jane gives insights into the genesis of the museum’s Open Access and ARTLENS Gallery projects, the technologies behind them, and how the team secured support from critical stakeholders, among other topics. Despite the museum being committed to the traditional preservation of art, Jane's innovative thinking and leadership have transformed the museum to be a data-driven and forward-thinking institution. The museum's Open Access initiative, launched in 2019, allows the public to share, collaborate, remix, and reuse high-resolution images of 30,000 public-domain artworks, as well as metadata for 61,000 artworks for commercial and non-commercial purposes.

Under Jane's leadership, the ARTLENS Gallery experience has evolved, with cutting-edge technology utilized to encourage visitors to explore and connect with the museum's encyclopedic collection. Moreover, she leads the development of in-gallery digital experiences, including Revealing Krishna, an immersive mixed-reality exhibition opening in November 2021. Alongside exceptional Cambodian artworks, technology will be used to tell their story and restoration. Through this podcast, learn how digital transformation can help institutions such as museums to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

The post features the podcast episode of Connected & Ready where Jane Alexander shares her experience as chief digital information officer at The Cleveland Museum of Art.