Proposed Albuquerque museum could have AI chats with state legends
February 12, 2025
A visionary project is underway in Albuquerque to establish the New Mexico Sports and Cultural Museum, an innovative institution that seeks to celebrate the state's rich tapestry of achievements across various fields. Spearheaded by Marty Saiz of the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame and Steve Davis of Proview Networks, the museum aims to transcend traditional exhibits by incorporating advanced AI technology to offer interactive experiences with New Mexico's distinguished personalities.
The concept, referred to as the "Inspiration Dream Center" by Saiz, aspires to be more than a repository of memorabilia. "I envision you walk in and multiple faces in all fields of endeavor," Saiz explained, emphasizing the museum's goal to inspire visitors through the stories of individuals who have excelled in sports, politics, entertainment, and other arenas. The interactive component is designed to allow visitors, especially young people, to engage directly with digital representations of these figures, asking questions and receiving responses that provide insight into their journeys.
Central to this interactive experience is the integration of StoryFile's Conversa technology, which enables the creation of AI-driven video interviews. This technology allows for the recording of individuals answering a comprehensive set of questions, which are then processed to enable dynamic, conversational interactions. Steve Davis, who introduced this technology to New Mexico after learning about it during the pandemic, highlighted its potential: "You can actually educate yourself and talk to some historian, person who's just not sports, but we've got Gary Johnson here, and we've done Barry Switzer, and we also done Jim Hulsman."
The museum has already begun compiling a roster of notable New Mexicans to feature in these interactive exhibits. Confirmed participants include former Governor Gary Johnson, renowned football coach Barry Switzer, and esteemed basketball coach Jim Hulsman. The project also aims to include sports figures like NFL star Brian Urlacher and UFC champion Holly Holm, providing visitors with a diverse array of stories that reflect the state's multifaceted heritage.
To bring this ambitious project to fruition, Saiz and Davis are seeking $700,000 in funding through the City of Albuquerque, aiming to combine public and private resources. They are collaborating with city officials to identify an optimal location for the museum, with the vision of creating a space that not only honors New Mexico's past but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. As Saiz aptly put it, "Our kids need to know how they can dream dreaming. And it's possible people have come from New Mexico to be successful."
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