If you run a public art program that you want taxpayers to know about, then CultureNOW may supercharge your outreach efforts.
The organization — a volunteer effort that began by providing recommendations for rebuilding New York City after 9/11 — has a series of apps for Android and Apple mobile devices that put public art in the palms of citizens’ hands. For example, the $1.99 app CultureNOW: Guidebook for the Museum Without Walls connects users to government-owned artwork around the country.
The app has photos, podcasts, tour maps and videos of sculptures, paintings, murals and other creations that users can search for on their screens. These offerings include interviews with the artists, architects, historians and curators responsible for creating the art and making it available. In-app material spans 64 public art collections, including those from cities in New York, New Mexico, California and Kansas.
Using the app, consumers can save themselves trips to museums or parks, and public art program managers can spread their artwork to thousands of people — even those who don’t live in their jurisdictions.
Our latest GovTech Innovator is Abby Suckle, CultureNOW’s president, who spoke with us about her organization’s endeavors and their numerous benefits.