VPAG: Website on a Shoestring

Janis Novosel, Vernon Public Art Gallery, Canada
http://www.galleries.bc.ca/vernon

Demonstration: Demonstrations - Session 1

The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG), located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, has brought art to the region for 60 years. In 2003, the gallery administration determined a Web site would be the best way to expand communication with existing patrons and widen the scope of the gallery's audience. Using limited resources a Web site was created in-house, that has proven itself to be a cost-effective communication tool.

After assessing the main users of the Web site, we concluded the site must be primarily designed for an audience with limited computer skills, older equipment and slow connection speeds. Basic page size, including graphics, was limited to under 100 KB. At the same time, we wanted to follow the W3C guidelines for accessibility and use XHTML for future compatibility.

Users have adapted well to using the site. Participating artists like the availability of exhibition information and submission forms, and having their artwork displayed in the Art Rental section or online exhibitions. Patrons like viewing the current exhibition/event information and browsing the Permanent Collection, although access is limited due to copyright restrictions. Online visitors from as far away as Australia and England have emailed for more information on our Permanent Collection and Art Rental programs.

Conference participants are invited to view present and future features of the Web site, including a web portal for gallery staff created using XML and XSLT.

The Vernon Public Art Gallery (VPAG), located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, has brought art to the region for 60 years. In 2003, the gallery administration determined a Web site would be the best way to expand communication with existing patrons and widen the scope of the gallery's audience. Using limited resources a Web site was created in-house, that has proven itself to be a cost-effective communication tool.

After assessing the main users of the Web site, we concluded the site must be primarily designed for an audience with limited computer skills, older equipment and slow connection speeds. Basic page size, including graphics, was limited to under 100 KB. At the same time, we wanted to follow the W3C guidelines for accessibility and use XHTML for future compatibility.

Users have adapted well to using the site. Participating artists like the availability of exhibition information and submission forms, and having their artwork displayed in the Art Rental section or online exhibitions. Patrons like viewing the current exhibition/event information and browsing the Permanent Collection, although access is limited due to copyright restrictions. Online visitors from as far away as Australia and England have emailed for more information on our Permanent Collection and Art Rental programs.

Conference participants are invited to view present and future features of the Web site, including a web portal for gallery staff created using XML and XSLT.

Janis Novosel is a recipient of a Canadian Professional Scholarship.