Smithsonian Institution Archives

Experimental Gallery Records, 1983-1994

Summary

Collection ID:
SIA.FA94-082
Creators:
Smithsonian Institution. Assistant Secretary for the Arts and Humanities
Dates:
1983-1994
Languages:
English
Physical Description:
25.89 cu. ft. (23 record storage boxes) (1 16x20 box) (5 blueprint storage boxes)
Repository:
Smithsonian Institution Archives

Descriptive Entry

Descriptive Entry
These records consist of correspondence and memoranda pertaining to Experimental Gallery proposals, installation of exhibitions, gallery activities with the public, and research; administrative files concerning financial reports, funding (through the Cafritz and Rockefeller foundations, as well as the Pew Charitable Trusts), contracts, exhibit management, and personnel; minutes of meetings; articles and newspaper clippings; blueprints and floor plans for the Experimental Gallery space; special events information; Advisory Committee reports; artist proposals; video and exhibition scripts; exhibition photographs, slides, videotapes, and cassettes; fellowship information; and exhibition concept drawings and transparencies. Also includes records from exhibitions such as Etiquette of the Undercaste, World Wall: A Vision of the Future Without Fear, and Powers of Ten.

Historical Note

Historical Note
On February 2, 1991, the Experimental Gallery was established in the Arts and Industries Building, and for the next three years reported to the Office of Assistant Secretary for the Arts and Humanities before becoming defunct on May 2, 1994. During its years of operation, the Experimental Gallery functioned as an "exhibition laboratory" in which museum professionals from within and outside the Smithsonian explored the exhibition development process by offering an exhibit workshop setting to the public. Study focused on understanding audience interactive techniques, interpretation, learning styles, and design critiques of exhibition components before they were installed in fully realized exhibitions. Also of interest were public programs, evaluation strategies, marketing plans, and printed materials. Although the Gallery covered many subjects, its initial emphasis was multicultural exhibitions in the arts, humanities, and physical/natural sciences. Staff included Kimberly Camp, Director, 1989-1994; Freida D. Austin, Assistant Director, 1990-1994; Roger Magazine, Administrative Assistant, 1990-1992; Michael C. Reese, A/V Equipment Operator, 1991-1993; Norman Andersen, Exhibition Designer, 1992-1994; and Bruce Underwood, Education Specialist, 1992-1994.

Administration

Author
Finding aid prepared by Smithsonian Institution Archives

Using the Collection

Prefered Citation
Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 94-082, Smithsonian Institution, Assistant Secretary for the Arts and Humanities, Experimental Gallery Records

More Information

Notes

SI Records


Keywords

Keywords table of terms and types.
Keyword Terms Keyword Types
Andersen, Norman, 1954- Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Austin, Freida D. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Camp, Kimberly Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Magazine, Roger Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Reese, Michael C. Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Underwood, Bruce Personal Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Assistant Secretary for the Arts and Humanities. Experimental Gallery Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Pew Charitable Trusts Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Rockefeller Foundation Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Etiquette of the Undercaste (Exhibition) (1992: Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Powers of Ten (Exhibition) (1991-1992: Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
World Wall: A Vision of the Future Without Fear (Exhibition) (1991: Washington, D.C.) Corporate Name Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Museum exhibits Topic Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Brochures Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Clippings Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Manuscripts Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Architectural drawings Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Drawings Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Posters Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Black-and-white photographs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Audiotapes Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Videotapes Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Color photographs Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Black-and-white negatives Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid
Color transparencies Genre/Form Search Smithsonian Collections Search ArchiveGrid

Smithsonian Institution Archives
Washington, D.C.
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