ext.1708gallery.org is a discursive online platform and companion to 1708’s main sites and spaces. ext.1708gallery.org began as an online journal that developed dialogues with and around exhibiting artists. Expanded into three sections and relaunched in 2021, the platform includes the original journal now titled ext.1708 Journal, ext.1708 Projects, a space for web-based artistic exploration, and a shared research library Open Office. This platform stems from the programmatic focus at 1708 that maintains their commitment to being host to artistic inquiry and public engagement with all forms of creative production.

ext.1708gallery.org and OPEN OFFICE.2 were designed by Richmond-based designer Ashley Moody. Her approach to this project was one that highlights accessibility to multiple forms of content on and offline and establishes a bridge between the many intersections of artistic processes and public reception. OPEN OFFICE.2 was the second iteration of project established in 2019. Presented both at 1708 and online at ext.1708gallery.org, this project is a shared research library informed by the concepts, discussions, and inquiries that circumscribe 1708’s exhibitions program. Artists involved in past and upcoming exhibitions were invited to provide textual materials that they deem relevant to their practice, project at 1708, and interests. Documents are available for public exploration and personal collection. This participatory project does not intend to establish a fully developed, resolute image of specific exhibitions; rather, by opening the artistic, design, and curatorial research to the public, it allows for dynamic and uncertain assemblages of thoughts and trajectories to emerge.

The relaunch of ext.1708gallery.org was lead by Park Myers during his termed position at the inaugural curator at 1708, and is expected to see content growth as a platform for future artists, writers, and curators. An example of a project hosted on ext.1708 Projects with El Centro de Exposiciones Subté, Montevideo, Uruguay curated by Roxana Fabius can be found here.

Ashley Moody is Richmond-based working professionally as a product designer and experimentally as a web/graphic/experiential designer.

Special Thanks to Luke Stoutenburg and Sergej Kurbanov.