What would a painting by a celebrated artist smell, sound or taste like? For too long, museums were strictly ‘look and don’t touch’, but curators are now putting visitors’ senses and emotions at the heart of their exhibitions – all while providing a slick backdrop for an Instagram update.

'To Future Women' is an installation in Washington DC that's encouraging everyone to write letters that will be archived for women to read in 20 years. It's documenting a period of history in which women are feeling more united than ever, leading them to demand more from brands and governments.

Whether it’s to savour a memory or gain social cred on Instagram, everyone takes pictures – but what impact does it have on our experiences? Canvas8 spoke to Alixandra Barasch, associate professor of marketing at the NYU Stern School of Business, to uncover the science of visual memories.

Participating in 'culture' once meant engaging with high art – an evening at the ballet, or a trip to see a famous painter's exhibition. But according to a survey by The Culture Track, instead of prestige or education, people are most attracted to culture that offers social experience and entertainment.