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FAQS
Question: What is Bloomberg Connects?
Bloomberg Connects is a free mobile app and web platform that provides digital guides to over 1,000 museums, galleries, gardens, sculpture parks, and cultural institutions worldwide. The app or browser-based experience connects users with expert-curated audio, video and written content—allowing people to explore art, exhibitions and cultural spaces both on-site and remotely, anytime and anywhere. Created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the app aims to make arts and culture accessible to all by offering immersive experiences, behind-the-scenes insights, interactive maps, and inclusive accessibility features, all at no cost to users or participating institutions.
Question: Are You Sure it's Free? Are there hidden fees?
Yes, it really is free! Bloomberg Philanthropies developed Bloomberg Connects as part of its ongoing support for the arts. They understand the arts and culture sector has limited resources, which is why they never charge their partners. In addition to providing free access to the platform, they also provide their partners with onboarding, technology and marketing support to help them reach as broad an audience as possible.
Question: What Kind of Content Can be Included in My Digital Guide?
Use audio, video, maps and more to share insights from your artists, curators and experts. Bloomberg Connects is designed to be flexible, allowing you to customize content to best serve your audience and mission.
Question: What Kind of Accessibility Features are available?
The platform features a variety of built-in accessibility options, including voiceover, captions, audio transcripts, image zoom and font size adjustment. The platform also has the capability of offering your content in over 50 languages.
Question: our Team is small with limited hours, can we still participate?
Absolutely. You will need to plan on spending at least three hours a week developing your guide once the process begins. Bloomberg Connects provides training, marketing and technical support throughout the process.
Question: What's the onboarding process like?
You'll build your guide over the course of a 13-week process as part of a cohort. Each cohort consists of 10-15 peer organizations. You'll attend a combination of one-on-one content sessions and group learning calls, spending 3-10 hours a week developing your guide. You'll work with the Bloomberg Connects marketing team to develop an on-site plan to promote your guide to visitors. Even once you're onboarded, you'll still have access to ongoing support to help you create, maintain and market your guide.
Question: Where can i download the bloomberg connects app?
The app is available on iOS and Android devices. Download the app now or scan the QR code below!
Question: my organization already has a paid platform for audio guides. What Makes Bloomberg Connects different?
- Cost - Bloomberg Connects is free for both institutions and their visitors. So that's money back in your budget for other projects.
- App Platform Structure - The app allows for a centralized experience, allowing users to access content from many institutions regardless of location. Paid audio guide systems are typically highly customized for each site, requiring users to download or rent site-specific guides.
- Increased Visibility - Users are shown institutions with guides near their location when they open the app, allowing institutions of all sizes to benefit from increased visibility.
- Access - Guides on Bloomberg Connects are available both on-site and remotely.
- Content Management - Institutions have direct control to create and update their own content, with support provided by Bloomberg Connects.
- Translation & Accessibility - Bloomberg Connects supports over 50 languages and includes a range of accessibility features standard.
- Analytics - Partners receive real-time usage data and audience insights.
- Support - Bloomberg Connects includes onboarding and technical assistance for participating institutions.
Question: Can the app be used for walking tours of outside venues?
Yes! Bloomberg Connects can help visitors navigate exhibition spaces, plus explore outdoor areas with integrated Google Maps.
Question: Can visitors access the guide in a browser or only through the app?
Guides are designed for access via the Bloomberg Connects app or a web browser.
Question: How do I become a partner?
Jonathan Munar
Arts Team
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Jonathan Munar has nearly 20 years of experience connecting audiences to art and culture through digital platforms. He began at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he led efforts to bring the collection online, and spent over a decade at Art21 building a global digital and communications program. He now works with cultural institutions across North America on the Bloomberg Connects initiative at Bloomberg Philanthropies.