Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto

WHO

The Mart, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto, is a public cultural institution in Italy. Founded in 1987, it operates from three locations and houses a collection of around 20,000 works of art spanning from the 19th century to the present. The museum's mission is to make its collection and research accessible to the public, with a focus on education and participatory practices. It's unique in its commitment to co-design and collaboration, a methodology the museum has been refining through various projects to build long-term relationships with its community.

WHAT

The Mart's Ways of Perception initiative is a project that uses art to explore "altered states of consciousness" in a healthy, creative, and transformative way. The project aims to move beyond traditional, passive museum experiences by developing interactive, multisensory tools that engage visitors. By collaborating with a high school and local tech companies, Mart sought to make its collection more accessible to younger audiences and find new ways for the public to connect with art.

The core challenge the project addresses is how to create a deeper, more meaningful connection between visitors and artworks. Instead of viewing art as a static object, the initiative explores how sensory stimuli—such as sound, touch, and sight—can create immersive experiences that open up new perceptions and emotions.

HOW

The Mart implemented the project using a Living Lab methodology, a collaborative approach that involved stakeholders in every step, from ideation to testing. This process was key to creating a shared sense of ownership and ensuring the final products were both meaningful and useful.

Here's a breakdown of the key collaborations and outcomes:

• With Professor Nicola De Pisapia: Mart partnered with a cognitive neuroscience professor to ground the project in scientific research on altered states of consciousness, providing a unique interdisciplinary foundation.

• With the MaDe Manufactory Design Institute: A class of high school students co-created four low-tech prototypes that engage the senses. For example, they paired specific artworks with sensory experiences, such as a scent linked to a painting of vegetation or a tactile experience with a portrait.

• With Local Tech Companies: The museum collaborated with two local companies, Bookelot and Level Up, to develop high-tech immersive experiences. This included two virtual reality (VR) experiences and one augmented reality (AR) experience, shifting the project's direction and introducing a new medium for engaging with art.

The Living Lab approach fostered open dialogue and mutual investment among all partners. The museum learned that taking the time to actively listen and understand each partner's motivations is crucial for building trust and ensuring a project's long-term success. The project's sustainability will be ensured by integrating these high- and low-tech tools into the museum’s permanent collection and developing new workshops for school groups.