The digital curation in the artistic and cultural context: Reuse possibilities of art data

Abstract

Objective: Through the initiative of various institutions, many cultural collections have been digitized, generating material that has great potential for reuse. These digital art data valuable assets that, stored in repositories in cultural institutions, need visibility and dynamism. This research seeks to identify what are the types of reuse performed in cultural institutions, based on the principles of Digital Curation. Methods: The research starts from a specific sample of aggregators / institutions present in Europeana Collections. From specific stipulated requirements, four institutions were selected. A survey of existing practices was carried out, as well as its subsequent systematization into seven categories based on the Digital Curation literature, namely: Aggregations, Collaborative Space, Online Curation, Education, Scientific Research, Computer Applications and Commercial Services. Results: It was found that one of the four selected institutions practices all categories of reuse and the other institutions practice three or more of the investigated activities. Sixteen types of reuse of art data were identified, such as: Production of materials derived from images, reinterpretations, fields for comments, algorithmic recommendation programming through data provided by the visitor, online exhibitions with internal and external/collaborative curation, etc. Conclusions: The expansion to the digital world of the collections of cultural institutions results in new possibilities of services, products, entertainment, educational action and research. Moreover, they create a closer relationship and interaction with the public, stimulating local visitation. That expansion provides contact with valuable collections, taking the elite status away from large collections and promoting the visibility of collections of local cultures. It can also foster the creative industry and enhance the work of the information units belonging to cultural institutions.