Virtual visitors to Aberdeen Art Gallery can enjoy 50 highlights from the collection on a digital tour which was launched on Friday 17 April.
This is thanks to an award-winning social enterprise that helps people make meaningful connections with art. The Smartify app is an art guide that identifies 2D and 3D artworks in participating venues. Normally, on-site visitors can scan an artwork with their smartphone and the app provides instant information on it. However, for off-site visitors during the pandemic, Smartify’s powerful search facility uses location and personal preferences to offer users thoughtfully curated stories and tours which is what is being offered by Aberdeen Art Gallery.
The Discover Aberdeen Art Gallery tour includes images and descriptions of 50 artworks, with audio descriptions by staff for selected works, providing accessible and informal insights into many aspects of the varied collection, including drawings, paintings, sculpture, decorative art and jewellery. Artworks featured in the tour include the fascinating Macdonald collection of artists portraits with audio by Madeline Ward, Lead Curator of Art; and High Tide, A Winter Afternoon, painted at Catterline by Joan Eardley, in 1958, with an audio by Ruth Kent, Performance and Events Officer.
An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said,
“Aberdeen Art Gallery had been due to introduce a new regular tour for visitors in April, called Discover Aberdeen Art Gallery. It’s fantastic that the team has been able to respond to the Covid-19 situation and find a new way of delivering this activity for people in Aberdeen and across the world.
“Anyone with the Smartify app will be able to experience the highlights of Aberdeen’s exceptional art collection from the comfort and safety of their owns homes. More than ever, the experience and enjoyment of art can play an important part in maintaining our wellbeing.”
The National Lottery Heritage Fund invested £10million in the recent transformation of Aberdeen Art Gallery. The Fund’s Scotland Director, Caroline Clark, said:
“With visitors figures before the pandemic surpassing all expectations, it is clear that people are eager to see the incredible works of art that Aberdeen Art Gallery houses. Well done to the team for keeping the doors to their outstanding national collection open through Smartify. These virtual tours are a wonderful way of exploring the world of art while staying safely at home.”