When our team first began dreaming up a new online platform, we knew we wanted it to align with the direction and longevity of our institution as well as two of its central values: community and progress.
As the Museum continues to evolve, it is important that the website be equipped with a variety of features and functionality in order to embrace those advancements and stay true to our community and audience.
The new website refocuses the lens on our role as a historical, cultural institution within our community and the greater Newark area, while also raising our national profile by championing our remarkable collections and exhibitions, the breadth of our educational programming, and the wide array of opportunities for the community that we host at NMOA.
In unveiling this exciting news, I must also applaud the skillful hands and contributors, who brought the new site to life. We know that for many the website is a first impression of our institution. With our audience and potential visitors in mind, we gathered a team of talented visionaries to help us unveil a visual experience that reflects the principles and vibrancy our institution holds.
We were proud to work with three local photographers—Bryon Summers, Colleen Gutwein O’Neal, and Emmanuel Ogbonnaya—whose skills not only captured the essence of NMOA but also our community. Ogbonnaya, a graduate of The Explorers Program, devoted his talents to the video living on the landing page of our site. O’Neal connected with and photographed select artists in our community to be represented on the new site, and Summers surveyed both our team and our greater Newark community to ensure our new look offered an inclusive experience to visitors.
Particular kudos to Kristin Nwobu, Digital Content Manager, for leading a large village of staff members during this process. We also share gratitude for the team at Built By Civilization, who were chosen as the brains behind the design and strategy of our new site. Because of their deep knowledge of, and experience, working with arts and cultural institutions, such as Frye Art Museum, The Smithsonian Institute, and the Biennale of Sydney, we knew we were in good hands and could trust their expertise with our vision.
Last but not least, I want to thank the internal team of members from various departments across the Museum, whose work on this project considered each department’s website needs and ensured they were included in the design for a comprehensive virtual experience.
Our hope is that as you enter this next chapter with us and explore the new site, you will recognize that your voice was significant in this redesign as well. We listened to your feedback and concerns, and with every decision we kept you in mind. Thanks to you, we’ve constructed an outlet that allows us to foster deeper connections while focusing on our mission to spark curiosity and engage our community. We hope you enjoy the new look.
To moving forward together,
Linda C. Harrison
Director and CEO
The Newark Museum of Art
