Over the past decades, the global society has been rapidly shifting from conventional analog to digital technologies. Such transition has brought about numerous benefits to mankind, such as reinforced international connectivity, enhanced data collection, and freedom from spatial restraints. A less renowned field where digitalization has come into active use is cultural heritage preservation. International organizations, governments, and museums worldwide have made significant progress in this sector, creating a sustainable and inclusive reservoir of heritage. This article looks into the implementation and outcomes of these activities.
Being rich in cultural heritage as well as the resources to protect and preserve them, the European Union (EU) and its constituting countries have actively powered cultural heritage efforts throughout the 21st century. The utilization of digital technology has been one of them. From artificial intelligence to 3D tech and virtual reality, these technologies are being utilized to not only ensure preservation but also to promote the European culture and engage broader audiences both in and out of the EU. In 2019, 26 EU countries signed a Declaration of cooperation on advancing the digitalization of cultural heritage. The Declaration “invites the Member States to leverage synergies between digital technologies and Europe’s cultural heritage in three key areas: (i) a pan-European initiative for 3D digitization of cultural heritage artifacts, monuments, and sites; (ii) enhancing cross-sector, cross-border cooperation and capacity building in the digital cultural heritage sector; and (iii) fostering civic engagement, innovative use and spillovers in other sectors” (European Commission). In the following year 2020, the European Commission released the “10 basic principles for 3D digitization of tangible cultural heritage” which served as an important guideline for museums and heritage professionals. The need for digitalization was further highlighted with the start of COVID 19, which caused many cultural institutions to close. However, many were able to quickly respond by expanding their pre-established digital services. The European Commission also offers sustained support for cultural heritage innovation and research through its Horizon 2020 program. From 2014 to 2020, the program has funded around 70 million euros in digital cultural heritage.
Over the past decades, the global society has been rapidly shifting from conventional analog to digital technologies. Such transition has brought about numerous benefits to mankind, such as reinforced international connectivity, enhanced data collection, and freedom from spatial restraints. A less renowned field where digitalization has come into active use is cultural heritage preservation. International organizations, governments, and museums worldwide have made significant progress in this sector, creating a sustainable and inclusive reservoir of heritage. This article looks into the implementation and outcomes of these activities.
Being rich in cultural heritage as well as the resources to protect and preserve them, the European Union (EU) and its constituting countries have actively powered cultural heritage efforts throughout the 21st century. The utilization of digital technology has been one of them. From artificial intelligence to 3D tech and virtual reality, these technologies are being utilized to not only ensure preservation but also to promote the European culture and engage broader audiences both in and out of the EU. In 2019, 26 EU countries signed a Declaration of cooperation on advancing the digitalization of cultural heritage. The Declaration “invites the Member States to leverage synergies between digital technologies and Europe’s cultural heritage in three key areas: (i) a pan-European initiative for 3D digitization of cultural heritage artifacts, monuments, and sites; (ii) enhancing cross-sector, cross-border cooperation and capacity building in the digital cultural heritage sector; and (iii) fostering civic engagement, innovative use and spillovers in other sectors” (European Commission). In the following year 2020, the European Commission released the “10 basic principles for 3D digitization of tangible cultural heritage” which served as an important guideline for museums and heritage professionals. The need for digitalization was further highlighted with the start of COVID 19, which caused many cultural institutions to close. However, many were able to quickly respond by expanding their pre-established digital services. The European Commission also offers sustained support for cultural heritage innovation and research through its Horizon 2020 program. From 2014 to 2020, the program has funded around 70 million euros in digital cultural heritage.
