14 November 2019
Download(855.446 KB)Interest in immersive experiences in museums and heritage sites has increased in recent years in response to challenges faced by the sector and the potential of emerging technologies. Arts and heritage institutions hope immersive experiences will lead to increased visibility and a culture of innovation, new audiences, more meaningful participation, better engagement, and additional revenue. This is reflected in the Industrial Strategy and the Creative Industries Sector Deal. Cultural institutions have been important early testbeds for immersive approaches and have – often in partnership with research institutions and partners – benefited from investment through UKRI, the Arts Councils and National Heritage Lottery Fund. But attempts to find straightforward connections between investment and outcomes have been inconclusive or resisted.
This Discussion Paper, written by our researchers from the School of Journalism, Media and Culture at Cardiff University, looks at recent academic research into immersive experiences in museums, galleries and heritage sites, and highlights key debates, opportunities and challenges. It presents recommendations for arts and heritage organisations who are considering immersive approaches in their work, are interested in how audiences might respond, and want to know more about the challenges, as well as recommendations for funders and policymakers.
Key findings
Challenges
Opportunities going forward:
Read more in the blog from Dr Jenny Kidd and Dr Eva Nieto McAvoy, researchers in the PEC from the School of Journalism, Media and Culture, Cardiff University.
Please reference this paper as:
Kidd, J., Nieto McAvoy, E. (2020) Immersive experiences in museums, galleries and heritage sites: a review of research findings and issues. Available from: https://www.pec.ac.uk/discussion-papers/immersive-experiences-in-museums-galleries-and-heritage-sites-a-review-of-research-findings-and-issues