Workshop II – Intangible Cultural Heritage, Museums and Digital Society: EU Policies in the Mediterranean Region

Module 2- Museums and Digital Society: Realities and Challenges in the Mediterranean area (3h)

Trainer: Ana Carvalho (CIDEHUS & UNESCO Chair – University of Évora)

Module description:

Experiments with the use of technologies in the museum and heritage sector started decades ago, but nowadays, digital technologies’ development is considered a current trend and a changing factor with significant impact in the next decades. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to increasing awareness around the urgency for museums to integrate technologies to support their communication and mission. However, the inequalities and constraints among museums to take full advantage of technologies has become evident, since many of them were already ill-prepared for digital transformation in pre-pandemic times – e.g., lacking a digital infrastructure, skilled staff, financial support, and a digital strategy. If, on the one hand, technologies can help to the democratization of the digital space, on the other hand, is not to ignore existing asymmetries in access, the lack of digital literacy and new forms of cultural segregation. Thus, the need to keep up with the rapid changes in the digital society, museums and cultural heritage institutions will need to adapt and address several (some new) challenges. This workshop will help to better understand digital transformation in the museum sector, reflecting on the challenges posed.

Learning objectives:

• Introduce the concept of digital transformation;
• Discuss EU Policies towards digital transformation;
• Identify interconnect challenges in addressing digital transformation in museums, namely in the Mediterranean area;
• Present case studies and good practices.

Workshop Format: Expository session and interactive class, group discussion in the classroom on previously suggested readings, research and exploration of online information.