The Impact of Digital Technologies on Contemporary Curatorial Practice

Title

Contributor Names

Kim, Heeae (Author)

Melton, Paul (Thesis advisor)

Degen, Natasha (Thesis advisor)

Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York. Art Market Studies (Degree granting institution)

Date

2024

Degree Information

M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025

Department: Art Market Studies

Advisors: Paul Melton, Natasha Degen

Abstract

This paper examines the transformative influence of digital technologies on contemporary curatorial practices by exploring their integration across key domains of museum operations. Chapter I traces the historical evolution of museums alongside technological advancements, offering a foundation for understanding the shift from traditional preservation methods to dynamic, audience-centered approaches. Chapter II focuses on Augmented Reality (AR), investigating its capacity to overlay digital content onto physical exhibitions, thereby enhancing storytelling and fostering interactive learning. Chapter III delves into Virtual Reality (VR), highlighting its ability to create immersive and boundaryless exhibitions, Chapter IV explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for curatorial analysis, thematic development, and visitor engagement, while addressing ethical and practical challenges, such as diminished curatorial visibility in AI-driven projects. Through case studies and critical analysis, this thesis evaluates how AR, VR, and AI not only enrich exhibition design and accessibility but also reshape the roles of museums and curators. By addressing these dynamics, this study underscores the balance required between technological innovation and curatorial expertise to ensure museums remain inclusive, culturally significant spaces in a digital age.

Subject

Art--History

Museum studies

Keyword

AI

Artificial Intelligence

Curatorial

Museum

Technology

VR

Access Rights

This paper examines the transformative influence of digital technologies on contemporary curatorial practices by exploring their integration across key domains of museum operations. Chapter I traces the historical evolution of museums alongside technological advancements, offering a foundation for understanding the shift from traditional preservation methods to dynamic, audience-centered approaches. Chapter II focuses on Augmented Reality (AR), investigating its capacity to overlay digital content onto physical exhibitions, thereby enhancing storytelling and fostering interactive learning. Chapter III delves into Virtual Reality (VR), highlighting its ability to create immersive and boundaryless exhibitions, Chapter IV explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for curatorial analysis, thematic development, and visitor engagement, while addressing ethical and practical challenges, such as diminished curatorial visibility in AI-driven projects. Through case studies and critical analysis, this thesis evaluates how AR, VR, and AI not only enrich exhibition design and accessibility but also reshape the roles of museums and curators. By addressing these dynamics, this study underscores the balance required between technological innovation and curatorial expertise to ensure museums remain inclusive, culturally significant spaces in a digital age.

Rights

In Copyright

The copyright for this work is held by its author/creator(s). Usage of this material beyond what is permitted by copyright law must first be cleared with the rights-holder(s). This work has been made available online by the Fashion Institute of Technology Gladys Marcus Library strictly for research and educational purposes. If you are the copyright holder for this work and have any objections to this work being made available online, please notify us immediately at [email protected].

Identifier

FIT Repository ID: etd_001027

ISBN: 9798304968577

Publication Number: 31841574

Submission ID: 10455

Type

Text

Thesis

Language

English

Publisher

Ann Arbor : ProQuest Dissertations & Theses

The Impact of Digital Technologies on Contemporary Curatorial Practice

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