Reagan Subeck
Research Mentor: Jason Young
Mentor Department: History/ Institute for the Humanities, LSA
Author(s): Reagan Subeck, Jason Young
Session: Session 2 (10:00 AM – 10:50 AM)
Presentation Type: Creative Project
Abstract
This project investigates how alternative exhibition response card formats may impact response content. In a co-curated exhibition “Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina,†displayed stories of artistic expression as resistance to slavery. He then collected the response cards, which we are archiving and digitizing. While these activities are occurring, we observe the contents in comparison to standard response cards and other unique response systems to help other curators connect with their visitors and draw new responses. These cards, after being indexed with unique numbers, are analyzed through systemized writing of their visual and written components, both in a general format and in checks for specific common themes. Additionally, we scan the contents under the same numbering in order to connect visuals to the metadata. We conducted meetings to discuss the contents as well as the variations from standard cards. We have determined that new forms of engagement, within texture and color, likely increase artistic and emotional responses to exhibitions through more visuals being present on these cards than standard response cards. Thematically, natural elements and symbols or writing of love are two unexpectedly common motifs recorded. The results recommend that response cards should connect to the exhibition to engage visitors although we recommend further details be collected from other exhibitions and that a formal analysis of the data from the two alternative response-card exhibitions be conducted. While data collection is ongoing, we will share the results in a two-day symposium in May 2026. That symposium, called “Democratic Dialogue at the Museum: Interactive gallery displays as a vital form of civic participation” is funded by the Initiative for Democracy and Civic Empowerment at the University of Michigan.
