In an era where ubiquitous digital access is reshaping how we access and experience culture, Melbourne’s own Jewish Museum of Australia (JMA) is pioneering bold new ways to bring Jewish stories, art and history to the world.
Made possible by a $50,000 grant from Telematics Trust, the JMA is enhancing its storytelling through technology – launching a ‘Virtual Tours’ project that will enrich the in-person visitor experience as well as greatly expand online visitor content, allowing patrons to engage with the rich Jewish history from anywhere.
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropy through the use of their innovative Bloomberg Connects app, the Museum is making its exhibitions, collections, and archives more accessible than ever.
Insights and Understanding
At a time when social cohesion is being tested both at home and abroad, greater insights into all cultures and their contributions to our country are much needed.
To this end, the Jewish Museum of Australia has set its sights on maximum accessibility, so that many more Victorians (and beyond) can learn about Jewish culture and the part that Jewish people have played in shaping today’s modern, diverse Australia.
Thanks to Telematics’ grant assistance, the ‘Virtual Tours’ project sees the JMA become one of the first museums in Australasia to comprehensively utilise digital technologies – like the Bloomberg Connects app – to bring their tours to life, setting a new curatorial standard for museums around the country.
The app contains an impressive variety of built-in features, including voiceover, captions and audio transcripts, alternate languages, image zoom, font size adjustments and more.
These features ensure that those who have language, economic or other accessibility barriers are still able to experience the JMA’s exhibitions and collection of 25,000 historical items.
Reaching Beyond Museum Walls
The Jewish Museum of Australia, recognising that the majority of their audience is not Jewish, is steadfastly focused on creating safe, welcoming and informative spaces that are for everyone.
The Virtual Tours project will allow it to extend its reach and amplify its stories beyond the walls of the Museum. Elisa Ronzoni, Curator (Collection), and Lauren Chalk, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, were eager to highlight Telematics contribution when reflecting on the project:
"At the Jewish Museum of Australia, we illuminate Jewish life. At the intersection of art and Jewish culture, our Museum is a place for all people to share in the Australian Jewish experience. With the generous support of the Telematics Trust we are extending the reach of our story telling in a meaningful way by creating digital resources that can be used (via an app) to enable virtual touring of significant objects in our Collection. We are very grateful to the Telematics Trust to have this opportunity to reach audiences beyond our walls and expand our story telling opportunities. We are particularly thrilled to be able to increase accessibility to our Collection and story telling through technology by the use of audio recordings, transcripts and other accessibility features in the delivery."
A Proud History
This project represents the latest step in the Museum’s proud history, having been founded by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1977 led by Rabbi Ronald Lubofsky.
Telematics is delighted to have had a part in helping the Jewish Museum of Australia realise their digital ambitions. We invite you to experience their immersive tours and explore their collection, in-person and online.
Head to their website to plan your visit.
