Santa Fe Art Collections in the Palm of Your Hand

See How Wheelwright Museum Uses Technology During Closure

How can you access New Mexico’s oldest non-profit, independent museum when its doors are closed?

The answer is in the palm of your hand.

A recent Santa Fe Reporter article Text for Art featured ways to access the amazing collections at the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian by simply texting.

Using Engage by Cell’s mobile technology, virtual visitors can text the word “Wheelwright” to the shortcode 56512 and receive a link to access the museum’s mobile exhibitions from the comfort of their smartphone.

Divided into categories like Laughter and Resilience or From Converse to Native Canvas, smartphone viewers can listen to audio clips, watch videos, and of course, view works of art.

After museums and other cultural venues faced an uncertain period of closure, many invested in digital engagement efforts to maintain connections with members and their community. It’s become commonplace for museums to offer live streaming with curators, online programs for youth--even contests on social media.

The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly transformed our society. Technology will continue to be a solution to a wide variety of challenges moving forward.

“We know the implications of technology reach far in terms of accessibility,” says Wheelwright’s Chief Curator Andrea Hanley.

What's On the horizon? To maintain financial viability, cultural organizations are now exploring ways to monetize the virtual experience.