Digital Instrument Lab Sessions with MyFi Studio

at The Bass Museum of Art

About

Inspired by Paik’s roots in music, The Bass Museum of Art collaborated with MyFi Studio to host virtual workshops and create playable digital instruments, which the community then used to record music alongside local DJs and artists. The subsequent recordings were accompanied by MyFi Studio’s glitched video art and premiered on the museum's website and social media channels. The recordings were archived as an album on the decentralized Ethereum Network for internet users all over the world to sample. 

Intended Outcome

The Bass Museum intended to present accessible, interdisciplinary public programming, inspired by Paik’s legacy of experimentation, to 3,600 members of its community.

Actual Outcome

The project, directly inspired by Paik’s Internet Dweller, and its interdisciplinary approach not only honored the artist's legacy of experimentation but also introduced new modes of learning and collaboration to the museum’s traditional model. The museum’s summer attendance increased to 3,116 visitors—a growth of 8% from 2022.

Advice Post Project

Museums exploring new technologies in public programming should prioritize accessibility and education when introducing unfamiliar tools like blockchain-based instruments. At The Bass, custom electronic instruments built on decentralized platforms presented a steep learning curve for both staff and visitors. Partnering with a tech collaborator like MyFi Studio proved essential in bridging this gap.