Frequently Asked Questions about the Close Ups Project

• What is the Close Ups project?
• How is Close Ups funded?
• What are the project's goals?
• What are the components of the Close Ups project?
• Where can I find the Close Ups materials?
• How was the content for the Close Ups project created?
• How do I cite text or use media included on the Close Ups webpages?
• Who can I contact to learn more about Close Ups?

 

What is the Close Ups project?

Close Ups is a multimedia interpretive project focused on 100 works of art from SAM’s permanent collection. Close Ups engages our visitors by offering in-depth scholarship, insightful narratives and a wide range of images, audio and video clips, all designed to bring SAM’s permanent collection alive for museum and web visitors.

How is Close Ups funded?

Critical funding for the Close Ups project is provided by The Getty Foundation through its support of innovative, interpretive projects focused on a museum’s permanent collection. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), an independent federal agency that seeks to grow and sustain a “Nation of Learners,” also provides support.

What are the project’s goals?

• Deepen scholarly content on approximately 100 objects in our permanent collection.
• Develop strategies for interpreting these objects that bring the scholarship alive for a broad range of visitors.
• Produce interactive learning tools that enhance visual observation in the galleries and promote further exploration at home.
  
  

What are the components of the Close Ups project?

Online collection: Builds on current models of online museum collections by offering a variety of multimedia materials, interpretive content and activities that encourage visitors to connect with works of art in new ways. Materials provide background information for visitors planning a trip to SAM, make available more in-depth information for visitors after they visit the museum, and extend access to information on SAM’s collection to individuals who are unable to visit.

Touchscreen kiosks: Provide audio and visual references and contextual images in SAM’s galleries that support visitors’ art-viewing experiences.

SAM Audio–Permanent Collection: Shares unique perspectives and commentaries by curators, artists, educators and cultural specialists who explore multiple ways of connecting to works of art in SAM’s permanent collection. Produced by Jack Straw Productions, the audio guide is available online and in the galleries. Audio wands in the gallery are provided by Antenna Audio.

Where can I find the Close Ups materials?

Close Ups materials can be found at SAM downtown or online.

At SAM downtown:

• Look for easy-to-use touchscreen kiosks in SAM downtown’s galleries. Watch interviews with artists. View works of art in motion. Read about the historical contexts in which works of art were created, and much more!
• Pick up a SAM audio wand and listen to unique perspectives and commentaries on works of art in the permanent collection by curators, artists, educators and cultural specialists. Audio wands are free and can be picked up on the third floor near the elevators. Gallery Map (PDF).
• Use computer stations – located in South Hall, the 3rd floor Knudsen Family Room, the 4th floor Lockwood Foundation Living Room and the Bullitt Library – to access SAM’s website the Close Ups online collection materials. Gallery Map (PDF).
  
  

Online:

• Download audio files to your computer, phone or personal music device.
• Explore 100 works of art from SAM’s collection in more depth with the online collection.

 

How was the content for the Close Ups project created?

Starting in early 2005, SAM staff began identifying the 100 works of art from SAM’s collection of more than 23,000 objects that would be included in the Close Ups project. Staff then began researching these works of art and, in some cases, discovered new information that became the basis of the content included in the Close Ups project. Existing image, audio and video resources were inventoried and new audio interviews and video recordings were conducted. All of this content was compiled and edited during 2006, and launched publicly in the spring of 2007.

How do I cite text or use media included on the Close Ups webpages?

Unless otherwise noted, content presented in the Close Ups project, including all images, text, video and audio, are owned by the Seattle Art Museum or used by the Seattle Art Museum in accordance with copyright laws and with the appropriate third party’s permission. For more information, visit SAM’s Terms and Use page.

Who can I contact to learn more about Close Ups?

Contact SAM’s Education and Public Programs division at 206.654.3124 or closeups@seattleartmuseum.org

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