Telling Stories through Video in Rediscover Treasures May 5, 2023 How original video content enhances the special exhibition In special exhibitions, original video monitor footage produced by MIM features a range of partners who have been generous with their knowledge and insights. Our multimedia team interviews performing artists, lenders, makers, and more to uncover new points of view on the instruments displayed in the Target Gallery. The MIM team spends months creating original content, which complements what guests see in the Target Gallery. In Rediscover Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments, more than one hour of video content, spread across seven monitors, brings the instruments to life. Selecting footage for the exhibition can be challenging, but the most impactful moments link legendary instruments to specialized experts, showcase powerful new perspectives, and enhance the exhibition. Handling and playing treasured instruments helps contemporary musicians connect with historic instruments. When virtuoso guitarist Jiji Kim first held the 10-string classical guitar developed by Spanish guitarist Narciso Yepes during a filming session at MIM, she found herself inspired. Classical guitar virtuoso Jiji Kim “I feel like this is a totally different sound that I am also creating,” she said. “I feel like I am walking in Yepes’s shoes in a way, because this is his instrument.” Shawn Yacavone, lender of “the first ukulele,” crafted by Jose do Espirito Santo soon after Santo’s arrival in Honolulu in 1879, shared a similar perspective about how an instrument can bring the past to life. When he hears the sound of Santo’s ukulele, he says in the video, “It’s like Santo walks in the room and is there.” Ukulele historian and collector Shawn Yacavone Sharing “the first ukulele” with MIM was important, Yacavone added, because it helps to create a dialogue between makers and artists. Filming for Rediscover Treasures also yielded insights about contemporary instrument-making processes and how the dialogue between artist and instrument drives musical excellence. Ukulele maker Casey Kamaka has continued his family’s legacy of creating instruments of the highest musical and artistic quality. Kamaka’s exceptional Kumu model ukulele, custom-made for MIM to ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro’s specifications, is one of the many incredible instruments on display in Rediscover Treasures. Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro “It’s so inspiring how Casey has just continued to push the envelope in terms of ukulele making,” Shimabukuro said. “It just inspires you to be better. It inspires you to want to perfect your art form.” MIM’s many partnerships help build the high level of storytelling that is a core component of the museum experience and encourages guest engagement. MIM is honored to have learned from world-class performing artists, passionate historians, and unparalleled craftspeople who have devoted their lives to the nuances of exceptional instruments. Dive deeper into the remarkable instruments on display in Rediscover Treasures and see what our generous partners discovered and shared. Presenting sponsor U.S. Bank Sponsored by Arizona Office of Tourism, John & Joan DʼAddario Foundation, and John & Mary Ann Mangels
