A group of prominent institutions in the US recently launched an initiative to help consumers design their very own historical coloring books. Adult coloring books have risen in popularity in the past few years and now several historical organizations are taking advantage of the fad.
'#ColorOurCollections' is a celebratory event that pays homage to historical art from rare book collections. As part of the campaign, a number of institutions are releasing historical illustrations inspired by their collections. Other organizations such as the Smithsonian, the Bodleian and the Historical Collections of Oregon's Health & Science University has gone as far as creating their own historical coloring book for consumers to print at home.
The campaign, which runs until February 5th, demonstrates an effort to make museum and library collections more accessible to the public through digital media.
DIY Historical Coloring Books
These Institutions are Creating Coloring Books from Historical Art
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Adult Coloring Books - Prominent institutions are capitalizing on the popularity of adult coloring books by creating historical coloring book initiatives.
2. Digital Transformation of Museums and Libraries - The '#ColorOurCollections' campaign highlights the potential for making museum and library collections more accessible through digital media.
3. Engaging Consumers in Historical Art - Institutions like the Smithsonian and the Bodleian are offering consumers the opportunity to design and print their own historical coloring books, promoting engagement with historical art.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - The rise of adult coloring books presents disruptive innovation opportunities for publishers to create and market coloring books with a historical art focus.
2. Museums - Museums can leverage digital media to make their collections more accessible and engage a wider audience through initiatives like historical coloring book campaigns.
3. Digital Media - The '#ColorOurCollections' campaign showcases the potential for digital media to enhance the accessibility of historical art and promote engagement with museum and library collections.