Sound Activation and Curated Music in the Galleries

by Jordan Munson

About

Jordan Munson partnered with the Galleries at Herron to create four unique in-gallery musical activations. Community dance troop Dance Kaleidoscope choreographed an original work, titled I Come in Pieces, which was set to music and performed in the galleries, while museum visitors freely moved around the space. Local musicians Hanna Benn, Deantoni Parks, and the Funkhouser/Caldwell/Munson Trio also put on concerts of original scores to enliven the work. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members of all ages participated in multisensory experiences combining sight, sound, and taste. Not only did visitors positively respond to the in-gallery programming, but they also noted their enjoyment of an environment made for mingling with others.

Intended Outcome

Herron School of Art and Design hoped to bring interdisciplinary programs into its galleries, forge new partnerships both on and off-campus, and engage 150 attendees with these sound activations.

Actual Outcome

The Galleries at Herron hosted four multidisciplinary activities that welcomed 188 visitors to the space. These programs were created and put on by a new faculty partner who facilitated further partnership with four community artists.

Advice Post Project

When piloting programming or trying a new activity, rely on experts. The Galleries at Herron wanted to bring multidisciplinary programming into its gallery spaces, so the team forged a mutual partnership with a professor of music who had community connections and ties to other performing artists.