Interactivity? InterARTivity?

I met with Michael (the director of the Freedman Gallery) today. We discussed ways that the internet is changing the way that the internet is effecting the way that audiences interact with art. He is interested in using the web more in making the Freedman Gallery more of an educational hub as well as a wonderful art gallery. Michael is, by his own admission, less than expert on the internet (as a science-fiction fan, he's more than a little concerned about the dominance of the computer), however, he strongly believes that the internet is going to be critical in the future of arts education and arts management.

We began brainstorming about what could be available on the website (the CFA site is still under-construction, the Freedman Site is constantly being updated). Here's what we've come up with so far (in no particular order):
- Additional information about the exhibits that might not fit into the published catalog
- Podcasts with gallery talks, gallery tours etc
- Blogs for both faculty and students
- Art itself whenever possible

One thing that we both agreed that we need is guidance from the faculty and administration. The CFA and the Freedman both need a mission statement and a strategic plan. We both think that education should feature prominantley in that mission, but there seems to be a strong sense that we need to be an arts venue first. I'll let you know how these talks proceed.