ARC – From Noise to Signal

From Noise to Signal (DP260100529)

Summary:  The project will investigate how sound works are installed within art exhibitions in the increasingly noisy art museum and gallery sector. It combines cross-cultural curatorial research with visitor experience testing using emerging technologies for non-intrusive surveying to better understand the significance of sound on the visitor experience. Expected outcomes include strategies to transform institutional paradigms concerning sound, improved experiences for the public within art institutions and potential benefits for the future development of analogous public spaces. The project will contribute tangible cultural benefits for Australian cultural sector by providing actionable recommendations to enhance exhibition environments.

National Interest Statement: Australia’s world-leading arts and culture sector draws crowds to our art museums in the millions. Museums are crucial sites for developing and protecting Australian culture. Still, little is known about how these institutions have dealt with the raised noise levels caused by growing audience numbers and contemporary art. This project examines the raised sound levels within art galleries and the strategies public institutions employ toward mitigating these effects during exhibitions. A state-of-the-art interaction research facility will test visitors’ experience of a pilot exhibition that is full of sound. Through collaboration with curators and sound desiigners, the project will produce a sound-focused exhibition guideline to share with the arts sector. The project will contribute tangible cultural benefits for Australian art museums by providing actionable recommendations to enhance the exhibition environment to create more inclusive experiences for the millions annual visitors who attend art museums in Australia.

2013 – 2018