Jane Alexander is the Cleveland Museum of Art‘s chief digital information officer (CDIO). She joined the institution in 2010 and has been instrumental in leading various digital projects. As CDIO, her responsibilities include overseeing the museum’s technology infrastructure, digital content strategy, and online presence. She aims to use technology to create immersive and accessible experiences for visitors while ensuring the museum’s operations are streamlined and efficient.
One of Alexander’s notable projects is the development of Gallery One, a groundbreaking interactive space launched in 2013 that integrates digital technology with the museum’s collection. It features the ArtLens app, an interactive tool that allows visitors to explore the collection through augmented reality and touch-screen technology.
Under Alexander’s leadership, the museum launched its Open Access initiative in 2019, making more than 30,000 images of artworks in the public domain freely available for download and use. This move aligns with the museum’s mission to make art more accessible to a global audience and support education, research, and creative projects.
Speaking to blooloop in 2017 about her role, she said: “In an art museum, the art must be at the forefront, rather than the technology. However, the infrastructure must be in place to use technology interpretation that allows the art to shine. One of her first tasks at Cleveland was to look at all the databases and hardware needs across the museum and standardise this technology, from the conference rooms to the galleries.
One nominator said: “Jane Alexander is a visionary leader whose work has redefined how museums can use digital technology to engage and inspire visitors from all walks of life. Her innovative projects have set new benchmarks for accessibility, personalisation, and the use of emerging technologies in the museum sector. Jane’s influence continues to shape the future of how art is experienced and appreciated by diverse audiences worldwide.”