Exploring the value to the individual of access to digitised visual art within a community

Robson, Heather (2007) Exploring the value to the individual of access to digitised visual art within a community. Doctoral thesis, Northumbria University.

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Abstract

Exploring the Value to the Individual of Access to Digitised Visual Art (DVA) within a Community Abstract This research focused upon issues associated with access to Digitised Visual Art (DVA) that is Visual Art in any form that is held and made available as a shared electronic resource; the value to the individual from the experience of such access and the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in offering a new space to visual art and the individual user. Within the overarching framework of the learning society this study was designed to gain an understanding of the way in which individuals use and value access to DVA within their everyday life. It had a particular emphasis on the individual's own construction of value and the concept of a 'new space'. This study relied on the hermeneutic perspective of a shared meaning and understanding. Hermeneutics was both the underpinning philosophy and the specific framework and method for analysis and interpretation. Design of the research was emergent employing a user centred approach; meaning was determined by the context of the study, new space. This offered the researcher the opportunity to use methods that would yield rich data including on-line and email interviews - actual tools in new space. Key to this research was the relationships between the individual, new space and visual art. Hypertext is concerned with relationships and it is for this reason that an electronic hypertext document (EHD) was created as a holistic tool to present an electronic version of the research. The development of the EHD has become the basis to begin further research in the pedagogical application of such technology as a research and teaching tool. Gateshead, Tyne and Wear in the North East of England was chosen as a case study site, in particular the Library and Arts Service. This study provides an insight into the vision and foresight that Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council has placed on learning, culture, arts and the Information Society. This research also provides a discourse and insight into the utility and importance of DVA and the benefit and opportunity afforded by access in a new space. It offers an understanding of the meaning of Culture in the context of the research and interpretation of value advocating a meaningful framework in which value can be discussed.

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