ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2020

Bringing archival practices into the future and to new audiences is a constant concern. Orchestra and radio archivists describe how they pitched and delivered successful, forward-thinking projects that include open source software (Studs Terkel Radio Archive/WFMT), machine intelligence (LA Phil), visual art projections (NY Philharmonic), blog and social media (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), and automated integration of data and assets (Boston Symphony Orchestra). Panelists describe how collaboration with data scientists and artists, access to records as remixable and shareable data, and presenting archival records in unexpected locations, help redefine the role of an archive to new audiences. They share their projects’ measure of success and how they met challenges such as copyright and technology selection.

Frank Villella discusses CSO's anniversary project that involved the creation of a traditional onsite exhibit and commemorative book that also was integrated into a blog, an online magazine, and social media channels

Bridget Carr discusses HENRY, the BSO’s performance history search engine, and the integration of data and historical digital assets.

Allison Schein Holmes discusses integrating and implanting several open-source software platforms, including a browser-based audio remixer and interactive transcript player in addition to developing open-source speech-to-text platform.

Selena Chau describes a machine learning public art installation utilizing a performance history dataset and media artist collaboration that created dynamic animations on the exterior of Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

Gabryel Smith discusses a multi-media art installation using the traveling harp case of the Philharmonic’s first woman member, a project in collaboration with a visual artist and in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment.