THESIS TECH: CONSIDERATIONS AND PLANNING

Are you planning to use tech in your thesis installation? It’s not too early to begin planning for the incorporation of technology components into your exhibition. Here are a few bullet points to consider, as you begin to build your installation strategy, determine the quantity and quality of space you are seeking, and outline the items that you will need to buy or borrow this coming summer.

CORD COVER:

Covering cord used for tech installation is key for both safety and aesthetics. Please note that MassArt does not provide cord cover for exhibiting thesis artists. Remember to plan and budget for this element of your show. In the past, thesis artists using tech have pooled resources to place a large order, saving money and keeping the look of the exhibition cohesive and consistent.

TESTING:

Make sure that you’re testing the equipment you plan to use beforehand. Do not expect to try out equipment for the first time during your installation!

SOUND:

If you’re planning to use sound in your thesis exhibition, consider now what kind of speakers or headphones you might need. Be aware of the differences between active and passive speakers. Passive speakers will tend to be much less expensive but will require a separate amplifier.

PROJECTION:

• What kind of throw will you need? Throw is the distance between a projector lens and its screen. If your projector is going to be very close to the screen or wall where the image is displayed, you may want to consider using a short-throw projector. Be sure to consider this as you source equipment.
• Projector brightness: The unit of measurement for projector brightness is the lumen. Know how many lumens of brightness your projector will need before you buy or borrow. The chart below provides a solid starting point.
• The grad programs office now has a limited number of older-model projectors that may be signed out for the duration of the thesis exhibition. These may suffice for artists whose work does not require the newest or highest-resolution projector model.
• Know your inputs! Does your projector use HDMI? DVI? RGB? Knowing this ahead of time will streamline your process.
• In almost all cases, you will need a media player in addition to the projector itself. A Micca media player can be purchased for around $40, and is a great investment if you intend to exhibit using projection in the future.

MassArt is full of tech-savvy faculty, studio managers, and administrators. If you need assistance or guidance planning for tech-based thesis installations, let the grad office know and we’ll connect you to the best resource for your needs!