Web Accessibility
Cultural institutions are the heart of our communities. They preserve our histories, celebrate creativity, and spark conversations that shape the future.
At Liquorice, we’re passionate about partnering with cultural organisations to translate their stories into powerful brand and digital experiences. From museums and galleries to creative organisations and cultural hubs, our partnerships have allowed us to create brands, campaigns and platforms that engage audiences, foster curiosity and amplify the voices of our cultural leaders.
In this article, we’ll explore why we love working with cultural institutions, share what we’ve learned and showcase projects that exemplify the impact of thoughtful design in this space.
Storytelling in the digital age
At their core, cultural institutions are the custodians of stories. They preserve and share the narratives of our past and present and, with innovative digital tools, those stories can reach new and wider audiences. Our role is to craft experiences that invite people into these stories, whether they’re exploring an interactive exhibit online, discovering a local artisan’s work, or engaging in philosophical discussions.
Case Study: Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill is a living museum that brings the gold rush era to life. We designed a digital experience that echoes the museum’s immersive, hands-on storytelling. By weaving historical context into the digital interface and prioritising intuitive navigation, we created a seamless bridge between the digital and physical experience.
Championing collaboration and community
Working with cultural institutions is also a deeply collaborative process. Each organisation has a unique voice and purpose, and our role is to amplify it. By involving stakeholders, visitors and creative partners in the design process, we ensure that the final digital experience reflects the institution’s vision and resonates with its audience.
Case Study: Geelong Arts Centre
As a leading cultural hub, Geelong Arts Centre wanted a digital platform that reflected its vibrant, community-driven ethos. Through workshops and collaborative sessions, we developed a site that not only showcases performances and events but also fosters deeper community engagement.
Fostering curiosity and lifelong learning
Cultural institutions ignite curiosity, and our role is to fan that flame. Whether it’s through an impactful brand identity, engaging campaign or digital, we design with the goal of encouraging deeper exploration. As creatives ourselves, we share that innate sense of curiosity, and we love to help promote a “lifelong learner” mindset.
Case Study: State Library Victoria
Collaborating with State Library Victoria, we developed the Just Add Curiosity campaign to reintroduce the Library following its $88.1 million Vision 2020 redevelopment. Our work helped reposition the Library as a dynamic, accessible cultural hub, an 'emporium of learning' for all.
Empowering institutions through innovation
While heritage and tradition are central to cultural institutions, innovation can unlock new possibilities. From embracing cutting-edge technology to streamlining digital workflows, we help institutions use design as a tool for growth and engagement. We are so energised by the opportunities that lie at the intersection of human creativity and technology.
Case Study: ACMI
We helped ACMI create a digital experience that mirrors the richness of an in-person visit, launching with The Story of the Moving Image – an immersive online exhibition exploring the cultural impact of film. Visitors can even extend their journey beyond the museum with The Lens, a take-home device that lets users collect and revisit digital exhibits from the website.while inviting users to explore behind-the-scenes insights.
The future of cultural experiences
The cultural sector is constantly evolving, and so are the ways we experience it. As digital platforms become even more immersive and interactive, we’re excited to continue exploring how technology can enhance storytelling, engagement and accessibility.
The cultural sector is evolving fast, and we’re keeping an eye on key trends that open up exciting opportunities for institutions:
Immersive storytelling: AR/VR experiences that bring history and culture to life.
Example: At Canberra’s National Museum of Australia, the ‘Ancient Rome: The Empire That Shaped the World’ exhibition used immersive VR and 360° projections to recreate the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, transporting visitors into the heart of the ancient city.
AI-powered personalisation: Smarter digital guides that tailor content to each visitor.
Example: Internationally, the Museum of Tomorrow in Brazil uses an AI chatbot to personalise conversations around sustainability, offering a glimpse into what’s possible here in Australia.
Hybrid engagement: Blending physical visits with digital platforms for broader access.
Example: We helped ACMI create a digital experience that mirrors the richness of an in-person visit. Visitors can even extend their journey beyond the museum with The Lens, a take-home device that lets users collect and revisit digital exhibits from the website.
Participatory storytelling: Inviting audiences to co-create and contribute their own stories.
Example: The Museum of Chinese in Australia invites communities to share personal stories through its digital ‘Museum of Home’ platform, creating a living archive.
Inclusive design: Using tech to make cultural experiences accessible to everyone.
Example: The Jewish Museum of Australia’s app includes voiceover narration, captions, multiple languages and text adjustments to ensure an inclusive experience for all visitors.
