Italian Experts Debate Virtual Exhibitions During Pandemic
Amid the COVID-19 lockdown, Italian cultural institutions turned to digital solutions to connect with audiences. Five specialists offer their insights on these innovations. Giuseppe Ariano from Scabec Spa points out that many museums lack digital skills and urges them to transform into 'smart' cultural centers. Tatiana Arzamasova of AES+F contends that virtual galleries cannot substitute for in-person exhibitions. Dario Buratti from VR Cult observes a rising fascination with virtual environments, referencing projects by Marina Bellini and Patrick Moya. Matteo Esposito of Invrsion discusses 360-degree virtual tours from the Rijksmuseum, Prado, and Uffizi, predicting a future enhanced by 5G-enabled VR. Ivan Quaroni likens virtual exhibitions to art history classes, stressing they miss the immersive experience of being physically present.
Key facts
- Giuseppe Ariano is director of marketing and communication at Scabec Spa.
- Scabec developed digital content for Campania museums during lockdown, including 'Storie Pop Up' and musical playlists.
- Tatiana Arzamasova is a member of AES+F.
- Dario Buratti founded VR Cult and Dogma VR Factory on Sansar.
- Marina Bellini created virtual exhibitions on Second Life for the MiC (Musei in Comune di Roma).
- Patrick Moya also created virtual experiences.
- Dogma VR Factory will host solo shows by Barry William Hale, Saturno Buttò, and Miguel Angel Martin.
- Matteo Esposito is CEO of Invrsion.
- The Rijksmuseum, Prado, and Uffizi offer 360-degree virtual tours.
- Ivan Quaroni is a curator and art critic.
- Quaroni cites Giotto's frescoes in the Basilica Superiore di San Francesco in Assisi as an example of irreplaceable physical experience.
Entities
Artists
- Giuseppe Ariano
- Tatiana Arzamasova
- AES+F
- Dario Buratti
- Marina Bellini
- Patrick Moya
- Musante
- Matteo Guariso
- Barry William Hale
- Saturno Buttò
- Miguel Angel Martin
- Matteo Esposito
- Ivan Quaroni
- Giotto
- William Gibson
Institutions
- Scabec Spa
- Quadriennale di Roma
- MiC (Musei in Comune di Roma)
- VR Cult
- Dogma VR Factory
- Invrsion
- Rijksmuseum
- Prado
- Uffizi
- Sansar
- Second Life
- Artribune
- HTC
- Pico
- Oculus
- Samsung
Locations
- Campania
- Italia
- Roma
- Amsterdam
- Madrid
- Firenze
- Assisi
- Basilica Superiore di San Francesco
- Padova
- Cappella degli Scrovegni