South African Museums Association Conference 2007
Traditionally, the unique feature of museums is their collections and body of knowledge associated with their collections. Museums research, conserve and exhibit 'the real thing', so to speak, but now we live in a Virtual Age, dominated by products that exist only in cyber space and where the 'real object' and physical human contact are replaced with electronic 3D images and communication. Addressing this, the South African Museums Association Conference 2007 is entitled 'Museums in a Virtual Age'.
Modern communication technology provides both challenges and opportunities to museums. How do museums compete in a world where information and impressive visual presentations are available in various formats at the click of the mouse? Does the original artefact still appeal to the general public? Have museums become superficial edutainment centres in an attempt to adapt content and style to the Virtual Age customer? Should museums broaden their scope beyond the traditional focus on collections? Can museums with their limited funding compete with electronic competitors? At the same time, how can museums utilise these communication tools to enhance the appeal of the original artefact?
The conference takes place from May 29 -31 at Maropeng, Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng. For further information please contact Dagmar Hudek at dashy@futurserve.co.za
