UC San Diego Introduces Free Digital Guides to Explore Campus Artworks and Attractions

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The University of California has partnered with Bloomberg Philanthropies to launch easy-to-use digital guides for its cultural institutions on the Bloomberg Connects app, with UC San Diego’s Stuart Collection, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Mandeville Art Gallery launching guides this year. This unique UC systemwide partnership, led by UC San Diego’s Chief Campus Curator’s Office, opens the doors for all University of California campuses and departments to build guides on the platform. 

The Bloomberg Connects app, which is available for download free of charge from Google Play or the App Store, makes exhibits and experiences accessible for onsite and offsite visits through engaging photo, audio and video features. The platform offers digital guides free of charge to cultural organizations around the world and is part of Bloomberg Philanthropies’ commitment to supporting digital innovation in the arts. Birch Aquarium, which will be the first aquarium in the world to host a guide on Bloomberg Connects, and Mandeville Art Gallery will launch May 22. The Stuart Collection guide will be available later this year. 

Bloomberg Connects digital guides provide guests with information about installations and exhibits, audio guides and custom-curated, self-directed tours. The Bloomberg partnership allows more visitors access to better connect with these exhibitions and artworks. 

“As a regional destination for arts, education and entertainment, UC San Diego welcomes more than 565,000 visitors to Stuart Collection, Mandeville Art Gallery and Birch Aquarium each year,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “The Bloomberg Connects app demonstrates UC San Diego’s ongoing commitment to deepen connections with our community through inclusive experiences and access to our world-class resources, no matter where you are. We are thrilled to offer this innovative new tool for visitors to use to explore our university.” 

The Stuart Collection is a unique assemblage of site-specific artworks throughout UC San Diego’s campus by leading global artists. Its guide will feature an interactive map of the artworks on campus, including detailed descriptions and images of each piece in the collection. The guide also includes short video clips providing context about the artworks, along with audio reflections from students. For those seeking a more contemplative experience, a mindfulness-focused audio tour—Inscape by Mashonda Tifrere—will also be available soon. Additionally, themed self-guided tours provide easy and organized ways for guests to experience the collection.

As the public outreach center for the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium brings guests into the exciting world of cutting-edge research and discovery through innovative exhibits, hands-on activities and animal encounters. The aquarium’s guide will launch in conjunction with the opening of its new exhibition, Living Seas, offering guests a deeper dive into UC San Diego and Scripps Oceanography research featured throughout the aquarium. The guide will also share fun facts and engaging content to enhance the guest experience before, during and after their visit. 

Since 1966, UC San Diego’s Mandeville Art Gallery has presented highly experimental contemporary art. The gallery, managed by the Department of Visual Arts in the School of Arts and Humanities, also serves as a laboratory for learning about curatorial practice, with programs for students to gain hands-on skills in museum studies. The new guide will enhance Mandeville Art Gallery's educational mission and increase the accessibility of exhibitions, enabling users to see audio transcripts, adjust font size, view translations in over 100 languages and more. 

UC San Diego is a destination for all to engage in arts and culture on a daily basis. Through the Chancellor’s Arts Initiative, known as ArtsConnect, campus and community members can discover pathways to study art, attend a visual or performing arts event or express their creativity.