For Malloy, this approach is what sets the Smart Museum, and UChicago, apart.
“What I love about this community is there an interdisciplinary spirit, where people, scholars and students are open to thinking outside the box,” she said, “and are curious about how things that are unexpected fit together.”
Plans for the future
As for the future, museum staff say more collaboration is in store. Alongside artists, scholars and visitors, the Smart plans to keep pushing the boundaries of art history—even the nature of what art is. One example currently on display for the 50th anniversary is Ever Blossoming Life – Gold (2014), a digital artwork created by the collective known as teamLab. Acquired by the museum through a partnership with the Physical Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, the work uses computer algorithms to create ever-changing, never-repeating art.
Events throughout the year will bring people together to celebrate the museum’s history and impact. Several “Smarties,” former interns and alums, will convene to discuss the Smart’s impact on their careers ranging from business to art curation, as well as discuss the future of academic art museums.
Later in the year, the Smart plans to host programs with the Departments of Psychology, Computer Science and Visual Arts, and community partners, including the Hyde Park Art Center, Chicago Public Libraries and EXPO.