Abstract

In response to the issue’s theme, Imagining the Future of Digital Archives and Collections, a number of key players in the Dutch arena are invited to address a specific opportunity and challenge of digital infrastructures for archiving and exchange of cultural data: the issue of sustainability. While innovative digital infrastructures often receive project funding in the start-up phase, their technical, organizational, and financial sustainability are often challenging. What happens to these infrastructures when their funding period ends? What are the lasting impacts of such infrastructure projects? Does the project-based nature of these infrastructures undermine their attempts to create sustainable solutions within their fields? How can we safeguard and imagine sustainable projects in the future? The discussion is divided into three parts. Part one reflects on the concept of “imaginaries.” It explores how this concept might be made productive to assess the processes and outcomes of digitization projects of memory institutions in light of presumed promises of innovation and increased functionality. Part two discusses the topic of governance and political economies in such digital heritage projects. Part three explores what type of digitization projects are desirable or required in the future and reflects on the role of artists in imagining the future of digital archives and collections.

Highlights

  • In response to the issue’s theme, Imagining the Future of Digital Archives and Collections, a number of key players in the Dutch arena are invited to address a specific opportunity and challenge of digital infrastructures for archiving and exchange of cultural data: the issue of sustainability

  • While innovative digital infrastructures often receive project funding in the start-up phase, their technical, organizational, and financial sustainability are often challenging. What happens to these infrastructures when their funding period ends? What are the lasting impacts of such infrastructure projects? Does the project-based nature of these infrastructures undermine their attempts to create sustainable solutions within their fields? How can we safeguard and imagine sustainable projects in the future?

  • Part one reflects on the concept of “imaginaries.” It explores how this concept might be made productive to assess the processes and outcomes of digitization projects of memory institutions in light of presumed promises of innovation and increased functionality

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Summary

An Online Roundtable Discussion

While innovative digital infrastructures often receive project funding in the start-up phase, their technical, organizational, and financial sustainability are often challenging. What happens to these infrastructures when their funding period ends? Part three explores what type of digitization projects are desirable or required in the future and reflects on the role of artists in imagining the future of digital archives and collections. The round table discussion is moderated by Vivian van Saaze (Associate professor of Museum Studies and Conservation Theory, Maastricht University) and Claartje Rasterhoff (Project leader at National Culture Monitor, Boekmanstichting), guest editors of Stedelijk Studies #10, who conceptualized this issue and round table in collaboration with Karen Archey (Curator of Contemporary Art, Time-based Media, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam), in attendance

Vivian van Saaze
Harro van Lente
Johan Oomen
Claartje Rasterhoff
Marcel Ras
Gaby Wijers
Geert Mul
How do you reflect on that now?
Annet Dekker
Karen Archey
But there were no traces left?
Full Text
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