Media Fragments and Virtual Museums – December 5 - 9, 2011

During the week of December 5, 2011 (12/5/11-12/9/11), In Media Res (http://mediacommons.futureofthebook.org/imr/) will be hosting a theme week that explores online exhibit spaces. We encourage submissions on current exhibits, online content for closed exhibits, and virtual exhibit spaces that are not connected to any physical location.

CALL: Thanks to the internet, the ways that we perceive the “exhibit space” are continuing to change. Previously bound by the limitations of a physical real-world location (and thus only available for a select group of individuals who could travel to that place), the internet has provided a way for visitors from around the world to “travel” to these far off locations. While they cannot engage with the physicality of the exhibit space or the artifacts it contains, 360-degree tours, videos (both official and visitor-produced), images, audio clips, and interactive content provide visitors with the chance to engage with these spaces in unique ways. Although these materials are frequently intended to expand upon the real-world exhibit space, they also create a unique space of their own that is separate from anything the physical exhibit has to offer. Oftentimes this online content continues to exist, or is created by third parties after the original exhibit is taken down. If this occurs, what function do they continue to serve, and how do we, as visitors, contextualize the fragments that remain?

Proposals may be brief, but do be sure to describe the topic and key question(s) to be explored. Please submit your proposal by October 25. If interested, please contact In Media Res (inmediares.gsu@gmail.com) with topic proposals or for more information about the theme. Be sure to include the name of the theme week you would like to be involved with in the subject line of the email.

Academics, critics, fans, museum and industry professionals are all welcome to submit proposals

The actual piece will include either a 30-second to a 3-minute clip, an image, or a slideshow that will be accompanied by a 300 to a 350 word response that contextualizes your clip, image, or slideshow. In addition to your piece, you will be expected to engage the other pieces presented that week to encourage discussion and further flesh out the individual topic in relation the week’s theme.

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