VIRTUAL MUSEUMS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

This infographic is a source of information for the rise of virtual museums and its online activities during covid-19 pandemic. It is based on the final report of Network of European Museum Organizations that conducted a survey on museums in 48 countries. The majority of them are in Europe between 24 March and 30 April 2020.

The infographic presented the percentages of the increase of museums' online presence, the changes that the museums made about the staff tasks in order to cope with the new conditions as they focused mainly on the digital tasks and needs. Also, the infographic displays percentages of the increase of museums' budget for their online activities and the increase of their social media activities.

During the period of this global pandemic museums tend to use more and more social media. Furthermore, a growth in virtual tours and online exhibitions is being observed. According to the research the social media platforms that were used most by the museums of the study are first Facebook and second Instagram. The museums exploit their social media pages as effective digital tools to promote their content and create digital projects for the public especially during this isolated period with the pandemic.

The aim of the museums during the lockdown period was both to educate and entertain the people who was isolated and confined at their homes through interactive virtual tours and creative digital programs that encouraged the public to be active and think positively during these hard times. The infographic demonstrates that digital and art world can coexist providing us great amount of information and entertainment in an easy and pleasant way. This prolific and effective coexistence should continue to exist and after the corona crisis as it can offer many benefits to the society as a mean to get more familiar with the art world and as a chance to improve their digital skills. It is obvious through this infographic that the museums during this crucial period managed to maintain their operation and their communication with the public using the full potential of the modern technology.