Context

The public has been in a lengthy isolated phase from the covid pandemic. As public spaces re-open, galleries welcome
visitors back and re-think the museum experience on what galleries can offer visitors. It has been shown that art has
a positive impact on mental health. It is an educational, wellness and playful experience that can de-stress and inspire
individuals. Humber College and The AGO would like to explore ideas for bringing participants together through
art onsite and online in a meaningful and impactful way, 

The Challenge

As we emerge from a period of great
change, what might museums such as
the AGO offer a playful and inspiring
art experience for visitors?

Problem 

Feedback from a focus group revealed perceptions of the AGO deter a broader demographic from visiting the museum.

Solution

Creating a warm and inviting campaign that enables play, expression and inclusion called:
Come as you are.

Question

How might we reach 
a diverse audience?

Information Gathering

Phase: Discover

Information Gathering

Virtual Information Session

I attended a virtual information session where I learned about the requirements, focus group feedback,
challenges projects AGO explored in the past, notes 
on operations and details about the audience, they
would like us to focus on for the challenge. 

Identifying Target Audience

25 years old and younger

During the information session, I learned there are no target audiences, but they would like to attract a younger crowd of 25 years and younger since this group does not feel welcomed in the gallery.

Journey Mapping

A visit to the AGO

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Phase: Define

How might we reach 
a diverse audience?

Brainstorm

Prototype 1

Envisioning yourself through
historical artworks

Proposed solution
Replicating selected works with a cut-out in the painting replaced with mirrors and placing them beside the original artwork can enable visitors to see themselves through the image in a historical context while welcoming engagement and changing the narrative of how people feel in art spaces. 

Prototype 2

Interactivity and Community
Feedback, expression and
connection through transparency

Proposed solution

An interactive wall that displays video, photo, and written content
submitted using the hashtag “#Comeasyouare #AGO” can display
short clips and photos of people's interpretation of art, their favourite
parts of the gallery, and anything art-related.

Guests can drag and select the contents from the wall they wish to
view, watch and or listen to. 

Prototype 3

Speakers Corner

Proposed solution

Paying homage to Toronto's historical and innovative communication artifact.
Visitors can feel a sense of inclusion through an inspired model of the speaker's corner experience. Where they can express themselves through art, the
AGO recordings can be captured but not released. 

Visitors can view other recordings from the same interactive wall (refer to prototype 2), watch live recordings from a tv screen mounted on the back
of the display, OR a wall can feature different devices with recordings
available for visitors to view.