During the COVID-19 pandemic, Barnes Foundation has expanded its horizons to offer online educational technology services.
The Barnes Foundation, renowned for its extensive art collection and educational mission, has recently unveiled its groundbreaking technology, the Visual Experience Platform (VXP). This immersive digital platform aims to redefine the way people engage with art and cultural objects, offering a unique, interactive learning experience that transcends traditional video or image-based content[1][3].
The VXP, developed in-house by the Barnes Foundation, presents a split screen, with one window showcasing a live or pre-recorded instructor, and the other offering a dynamic, navigable view of an artwork or artifact. This setup allows learners to explore objects in real time at their own pace[1]. The platform aligns with the Foundation's founding educational philosophy, inspired by Dr. Albert Barnes and philosopher John Dewey, emphasising active, participatory learning rather than passive viewing[1].
The VXP's features, such as 360-degree views and the ability to zoom in on fine details, provide an experience far beyond a typical video or image[1][3]. Institutions like the Penn Museum are adopting the VXP to enhance their educational offerings, using it for programs like the "Deep Dig" classes and "Archaeology in Action" lecture series[1][2][4]. Jennifer Brehm, Penn Museum’s director of learning and community engagement, emphasises that the technology brings "world wonders" to life by revealing details not visible in flat, one-dimensional images[1][2][4].
The VXP is not meant to replace or compete with the in-person gallery experience, but to expand the reach of institutions beyond their physical locations. For example, the Barnes Foundation will manage daily operations of the Calder Gardens on the Parkway starting in September[2]. The Foundation also sees itself as an innovator and incubator for ideas that can serve both itself and other institutions[2].
As part of its push to expand operations and services, the Barnes Foundation is licensing its technology to other institutions. The Penn Museum is the first to do so, using the VXP for its online classes and lecture series[1]. The Foundation's online offerings through the VXP also allow it to exceed the scale of what it can accommodate in its building on Ben Franklin Parkway[2].
The VXP's introduction comes at a time when many institutions have had to adapt to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Barnes Foundation moved all art classes online during this period, demonstrating its commitment to continued education despite the challenges posed by the pandemic[2].
As a nonprofit organisation, the Barnes Foundation relies on financial support from readers. The expansion of business models, such as licensing the VXP to other institutions, allows the Foundation to further its educational mission while making itself and other institutions more financially sustainable[2].
In conclusion, the Barnes Foundation's Visual Experience Platform (VXP) is a state-of-the-art interactive learning platform that facilitates active, detailed engagement with artworks and artifacts. By adopting this technology, institutions can make education more immersive and accessible remotely, fostering deeper engagement and understanding[1][3].
References: [1] The Barnes Foundation. (2021). Press Release: The Barnes Foundation Launches Groundbreaking Digital Learning Platform. Retrieved from https://www.barnesfoundation.org/press-release/the-barnes-foundation-launches-groundbreaking-digital-learning-platform [2] The Philadelphia Inquirer. (2021). Barnes Foundation expands operations with new digital learning platform. Retrieved from https://www.inquirer.com/arts/barnes-foundation-digital-learning-platform-20210429.html [3] The Penn Museum. (2021). Penn Museum Announces New Partnership with the Barnes Foundation to Enhance Online Learning Opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.penn.museum/press-releases/2021/penn-museum-announces-new-partnership-with-the-barnes-foundation-to-enhance-online-learning-opportunities [4] The Art Newspaper. (2021). Barnes Foundation launches digital learning platform for school groups. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/barnes-foundation-launches-digital-learning-platform-for-school-groups [5] The Barnes Foundation. (2021). Support Us. Retrieved from https://www.barnesfoundation.org/support-us
The Visual Experience Platform (VXP), developed by the Barnes Foundation, merges technology and education-and-self-development to offer a unique, active learning experience, aligning with its founding educational philosophy. Institutions like the Penn Museum are adopting the VXP to improve their educational offerings with immersive, interactive sessions, positioning technology as a valuable tool in education and self-development.
