Curating wellness during a pandemic in Singapore: COVID-19, museums, and digital imagination.
Public Health
; 192: 68-71, 2021 Mar.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1164360
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unexpected disruption to the operation of many museums. However, the disruption also presents an opportunity for local museums to explore new modes of audience engagement that could also help to mitigate the negative health impact of COVID-19 through the imaginative use of technology. This article provides a snapshot of the various digital initiatives that were developed by museums in Singapore during the most challenging time of COVID-19 to exemplify the expanded role of museums as a public health resource. It will also offer a brief reflection on the challenges and benefits of curating wellbeing with digital technologies. STUDYDESIGN:
A review of creative responses to COVID-19 by museums in Singapore.METHODS:
Scoping search.RESULTS:
Several local museums have stepped up efforts to support the wellbeing of people by exploring possibilities with digital virtual platforms. Their swift response to develop online contents following an abrupt closure due to the pandemic exemplifies the caring role of museums in offering people a much-needed respite from social isolation by connecting and interacting with others from a safe distance. Moving forward, it is also important for the museums to be mindful of the barriers that digital virtual platforms might present; since access to technology differs amongst population groups, as do digital competency, and literacy. Museums can benefit from further partnerships with sector experts and organisations to learn about the needs and challenges of different groups in future planning and design. This will help them to gather a holistic overview and help ensure inclusionary strategy and practice.CONCLUSIONS:
COVID-19 has challenged museums to adapt their programme and keep the public engaged through virtual programmes on online spaces. Online initiatives have offered opportunities for people to remain socially active and meaningfully engaged despite the stringent measures imposed in response to the viral situation. Postpandemic, we can continue to anticipate a highly connected and inclusive society brought together by virtual technologies.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Art Therapy
/
Social Isolation
/
COVID-19
/
Imagination
/
Museums
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Public Health
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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