In the News

A world of art at our fingertips: How COVID-19 accelerated the digitization of culture

A world of art at our fingertips: How COVID-19 accelerated the digitization of culture published on Friday May 8, 2021 in CBC News talks about some digital initiatives rolled out by many cultural institutions this past year. Among those interviewed for this piece were Marty Spellerberg and Danuta Sierhuis, and MCN was also mentioned.

Read More about A world of art at our fingertips: How COVID-19 accelerated the digitization of culture

MCN receives transformational capacity building grant from Knight Foundation

I am delighted to announce that MCN (Museum Computer Network) has just received a 2-year, $211,000 capacity building grant from the Knight Foundation to respond to the evolving technology and digital needs of museum professionals as the sector moves through an unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Knight support will advance our mission to…

Read More about MCN receives transformational capacity building grant from Knight Foundation

The MCN Virtual Town Hall

In mid April, we held a Virtual Town Hall that gathered about 88 members of the MCN community to discuss the decision to take the 2020 annual conference virtual this November. MCN Board President Matt Tarr and Executive Director Eric Longo shared introductory thoughts. Conference Co-Chairs Andrea Montiel de Shuman, Andrea Ledesma, Mimosa Shah, and…

Read More about The MCN Virtual Town Hall

The 8 Essential Things Museums are Providing Right Now

We’re all in unique little bubbles at the moment, learning how to navigate this continually shifting stay-at-home environment. It’s impacted different people in very different ways. But one thing has been consistent from day one—in spite of their doors closing, the museums of the world have stepped up to fill the void. It was stunning…

Read More about The 8 Essential Things Museums are Providing Right Now

The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Museum Resources, E-Learning, and Online Collections

In the blink of an eye, once-crowded museums sit empty. We’re preparing ourselves for social distancing and potential quarantine. This is the time for museum technology to step up and fill the void. The potential of online collections, virtual tours, and social media campaigns have always been there, but now the opportunity for impact is…

Read More about The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Museum Resources, E-Learning, and Online Collections

MCN statement on the government shutdown

MCN would like to express its support of our colleagues in the community who are experiencing hardship as a result of the government shutdown. Museums, libraries, parks, monuments, and other cultural heritage agencies funded by the United States’ federal government provide vital services and economic contributions. They enrich the lives of all Americans and strengthen…

Read More about MCN statement on the government shutdown

Pittsburgh Gets a Tech Makeover

Check out this New York Times’ article published today that talks about how Pittsburgh had become a tech-hub for many tech firms.

Read More about Pittsburgh Gets a Tech Makeover

Support AAM’s Speak Up for Museums campaign

Like many of our peer organizations, we, at MCN (Museum Computer Network), were alarmed today to see the dramatic scale of the proposed cuts to federal funding of America’s arts and cultural organizations. While MCN isn’t formally an advocacy agency, our members represent a wide range of information professionals from hundreds of cultural sector institutions…

Read More about Support AAM’s Speak Up for Museums campaign

Albright-Knox Art Gallery appoints new Director of Education & Community Engagement

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery announced that Dr. Jennifer Foley has been appointed to the position of Director of Education and Community Engagement. Dr. Foley brings a wealth of experience to the museum, having served in a number of key roles at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, and the…

Read More about Albright-Knox Art Gallery appoints new Director of Education & Community Engagement

How museums learned to stop worrying and love the digital world

“How about a selfie with the Oracle of Delphi? Museums are targeting new audiences by embracing all forms of digital media.” This article in the Star Tribune by Kirstin Tillotson quotes MCN Past President Douglas Hegley and highlights the work of current MCN Board member, Jane Alexander and MCN President Loic Tallon. Leave a comment below…

Read More about How museums learned to stop worrying and love the digital world

Free use images in Museums

  “Often when people visit museums, they leave wishing they could see a certain piece of art every day. Yale University’s art museums are making that easier. Want Van Gogh’s “The Night Cafe,” owned by Yale University Art Gallery, as your desktop wallpaper? Download a high-res TIFF at artgallery.yale.edu. Want to post on your blog…

Read More about Free use images in Museums

AMA on Museums and Technology

Join past board member, Ed Rodley, past SIG Chair Emily Lytle-Painter and Michael Peter Edson for a Reddit AMA on Museums and Technology. Click the image to view the archived conversation.

Read More about AMA on Museums and Technology