Leader Spotlight: Curating the art museum digital experience, with Colin Brooks

Colin Brooks, Head of Digital Development at the Whitney Museum of American Art, discusses how digital product management intersects with traditional institutions, emphasizing the challenges of integrating digital success metrics in art initiatives compared to traditional ecommerce. He highlights the Whitney's role in showcasing contemporary art through innovative digital means, such as the Sapponckanikan AR app and the On the Hour digital art series, which challenge conventional notions of art presentation. Brooks addresses the complexities of meeting diverse stakeholder expectations, including artists, curators, and audiences, while navigating technological advancements and constraints. He reflects on the evolving relationship between art and technology, particularly with AI, and the museum's role in maintaining a balance between digital development and artistic expression. Brooks is optimistic about the potential resurgence of digital art, contingent on advancements in creative coding tools, which could empower artists to own and display their work in new ways.