KANSAS CITY, MO.- A multi-media hub of the Nelson-Atkins website has launched. Studio 33 features videos, audio entries, interactive content and social media portals that allow visitors to learn about a favorite work of art, respond to a Museum blog post, listen to artists discuss their creative process and discover more about exhibitions and special programs. But Studio 33 is not a static entity; it will continually grow and evolve to accommodate various platforms. A mobile-friendly device version is also in the works and will be made available in the future.

“Museums are shifting from thinking of themselves as passive, brick-and-mortar places to being more actively engaged in getting information to the public,” said Adam Johnson, head of adult programs and interpretive media. “We are reaching out to different audiences and encouraging feedback.”

There are currently more than 250 audio offerings on Studio 33, each one about two and a half minutes in length. They were recorded by celebrities, local voice talent, curators and even children, with the intent of enriching the museum experience for visitors to the site. The site will launch with five videos, with more videos added each month.

“Studio 33 lifts the veil on what goes on behind the scenes, showing visitors things they normally wouldn’t see,” said Emily Black, assistant educator, digital media.

“Where else can you hear an artist talking about his work? And Studio 33 also links directly to our FaceBook page, Twitter feed, blog and Flickr. It’s a great resource.” Studio 33 was named for the year the Nelson-Atkins opened. Visitors can enter the site at www.nelson-atkins.org/studio33 , where three avatars stand in a Museum gallery. Each avatar offers a different perspective. One is a high school student, one is a Museum docent, and one is a social media fan.

“The avatars are individuals who represent our public,” said Johnson. “The high school student, Angela, explores the Museum at her own pace. Chandler encourages visitors to connect with the Museum through social media, and our docent, Donna, introduces the interactive areas of our website.”

A banner at the top of Studio 33’s home page invites visitors to Look, Listen, Interact or Connect. By clicking on any of these, visitors can, for example, listen to an audio recording about a sculpture or painting, watch an interview with an artist or Tweet about their latest Museum experience. Studio 33 was made possible with a Museums for America grant given by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It has been developed over a period of several years by members of departments as diverse as Curatorial, IT, Design, Visitor Services and Education. Visitors are encouraged to visit often as the site grows and changes dynamically in response to exciting Museum exhibitions, acquisitions and programs.