The Future Museum shapes the museum future

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a progressive strategy of the National Palace Museum (NPM) using new media art exhibitions as a creative marketing tool to interpret its collection, generate cultural value and navigate the greater global context. Design/methodology/approach A review of museum marketing literature and the challenges presented by Taiwan’s sociopolitical situation contextualize discussions on marketing activities and the emergence of museum-commissioned new media art at the NPM within the past two decades. Findings Democratic potency inherent in the digital medium has enabled the NPM to transcend the conflicting cultural perceptions surrounding its collection and fulfill the function of market expansion and cultural transmission. Originality/value Specialized heritage museums, such as the NPM, do not traditionally create or collect contemporary artworks that engage in ongoing cultural dialogues. This paper brings into view the novelty of using the digital medium to generate cultural value as exemplified in the new media art commissioned by the NPM.