the situation
CyberMuse initially launched in 1999 as a database application containing information on the artists and artworks found within the Gallery's collection — profiling approximately 20% of the total collection, and providing little to no information from the Museum of Contemporary Photography's collection.

In 2001, the National Gallery of Canada developed a four-year plan to realize its vision in creating a leading-edge educational site, inviting Canadians of all ages to learn about the art and artists represented in its collection. Technical and architectural issues, however, limited the ability to add new features and functionalities to the existing CyberMuse site. Backed by the financial support of the American Express Foundation, the Gallery decided to redevelop CyberMuse supported by new information architecture, application design and creative interface, to allow for the successful execution of the four-year plan.

tactics
At the very outset of the project, the Gallery went against the recommendations of most design firms and agencies, saying "no" to creating a standardized website focused on one style and brand. Instead, it looked to create an online gallery with an active and revolving online art exhibit calendar. In taking this position, the Gallery put CyberMuse on a different path, turning it into a "living and breathing" e-learning gallery, offering visitors the ability to browse through various exhibits showcasing different art collections, all contained within the parameters of the CyberMuse site structure.

Working closely with the Gallery, bv02 was approached to join the CyberMuse redevelopment team. Known for its creative flare, bv02 was sought out to add a new flavour of design and to help realize the mandate as established by the Gallery. In response, bv02 developed a design strategy for online exhibitions to accent, and not assimilate, the artworks contained within each collection. This strategy is demonstrated in such exhibitions as M.C. Escher, The Best of European Art, Art Preserves, Meet the Artist, Provenance, Showcases, and The Red Show. In support of the project, bv02 also consulted on the advancement of sub site navigation, the redesign of the search engine, and on general site navigation issues the Gallery could expect to run into while adhering to their aggressive online art exhibit calendar.

results
By combining excellence in creative design, dynamic content and new technologies, bv02 helped create an innovative, world class showcase for the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Canada. CyberMuse - Art Unlimited expands on the Gallery's online capabilities giving the public a virtual admission ticket to experience the collection, without having to physically set foot in the Gallery.

Since its launch in late September 2002, traffic to the CyberMuse - Art Unlimited site has increased exponentially. Monthly hits are up approximately 400%, and its number of monthly visitors has doubled. Users are visiting the site again and again, staying longer each time - a testament to the strong reviews and positive feedback received to date.

The very success of CyberMuse has pushed its mandate even further, with the Gallery choosing to leverage the site to draw attention to its traveling exhibit schedule. In anticipation of the highly anticipated 'Body Transformed' exhibit scheduled to open on June 15th, 2003, featuring sculptures from artists like Auguste Rodin, Henri Matisse and Edgar Degas, bv02 has designed an online exhibit of 'Body Transformed' for CyberMuse.