6.4 Participating in professional networks and sharing best practices
4 min read•august 15, 2024
Digital art preservation thrives on collaboration. Professionals connect through organizations like INCCA and AIC-EMG, sharing knowledge at conferences and online. These networks foster innovation, helping conservators tackle the unique challenges of preserving digital artworks.
Best practices evolve through collective effort. Standardized tools like the Variable Media Questionnaire guide preservation strategies. Collaborative projects and open-source initiatives push the field forward, ensuring digital art remains accessible for future generations.
Professional Networks for Digital Art Preservation
Key Organizations and Networks
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- (INCCA), (AIC-EMG), and (DPC) serve as primary professional organizations for digital art preservationists
- and online forums facilitate formal and informal networking among digital art conservation professionals
- (E.C.C.O.) and (AICCM) offer specialized groups focused on digital art preservation at regional and national levels
- and contribute research and academic resources to the professional network
- and function as online hubs for information exchange and networking in the field
Academic and Research Contributions
- Universities with digital preservation programs (, ) provide educational foundations for professionals
- Research centers like the (NICAS) conduct studies on digital art preservation techniques
- Academic journals (, ) publish peer-reviewed research advancing the field
- Conferences (, Electronic Media Group sessions at AIC annual meetings) offer platforms for presenting new findings
- Collaborative research projects (Matters in Media Art, Preserving Digital Art) unite institutions to address complex preservation challenges
Best Practices in Digital Art Preservation
Development of Standards and Guidelines
- Variable Media Questionnaire standardizes artist interviews to capture intent and preferred preservation strategies
- DOCAM Documentation Model provides a framework for documenting complex digital artworks
- Collaborative efforts like the "" series develop guidelines for specific media types
- Research projects (e.g., "") investigate long-term preservation strategies for evolving technologies
- Working groups within organizations (INCCA, AIC-EMG) focus on creating and updating best practice documents
Dissemination Methods
- Peer-reviewed journals (, ) publish research findings and case studies
- Webinars and online workshops (offered by organizations like DPC) provide accessible training on best practices
- Conference presentations at events () share latest developments
- Online repositories (CoOL - ) host conservation documentation and strategies
- Social media platforms (, ) facilitate rapid sharing of updates and resources in the field
Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
Collaborative Projects and Initiatives
- Multi-institutional efforts address preservation of obsolete technologies (e.g., "" project)
- Interactive digital installation preservation projects (ZKM's "digital art conservation" project) unite conservators globally
- Open-source software development () enhances collective resources for digital preservation
- Hardware emulation initiatives () preserve functionality of obsolete systems
- Cross-disciplinary collaborations with computer scientists improve technical aspects of preservation (e.g., bit-level preservation techniques)
Platforms for Knowledge Exchange
- Wikis (e.g., "") serve as collaborative knowledge bases for the community
- Shared databases () centralize information on artist interviews and documentation
- Online workspaces (, ) facilitate real-time collaboration among professionals
- Mentorship programs () connect experienced and new professionals
- Internships at leading institutions (, ) provide hands-on training in digital art preservation techniques
Impact of Networking on Digital Art Preservation
Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment
- Track number of collaborative projects initiated through professional networks (e.g., 15% increase in multi-institutional projects over 5 years)
- Measure adoption rates of shared best practices across institutions (e.g., 70% of surveyed museums implemented DOCAM model)
- Analyze depth of knowledge exchange through surveys and interviews with network participants
- Evaluate development of new preservation methodologies resulting from networked efforts (e.g., creation of time-based media conservation roles)
- Assess resolution of complex preservation challenges through case studies of collaborative projects
Long-term Effects and Innovation
- Monitor changes in institutional practices and funding allocation for digital art preservation initiatives
- Track professional career trajectories to understand networking's impact on field advancement
- Evaluate development and implementation of new preservation tools (e.g., adoption of Webrecorder for web-based art preservation)
- Assess adaptation to evolving technologies through case studies of preserved artworks using innovative techniques
- Analyze policy changes at national and international levels influenced by professional networking advocacy efforts
Key Terms to Review (35)
AIC Emerging Conservation Professionals Network: The AIC Emerging Conservation Professionals Network is a community within the American Institute for Conservation that supports early-career conservation professionals through networking, mentorship, and resources. It aims to foster collaboration and communication among members to promote professional development and best practices in the field of conservation.
American Institute for Conservation Electronic Media Group: The American Institute for Conservation Electronic Media Group is a specialized group within the American Institute for Conservation that focuses on the preservation of electronic media and digital materials. This group serves as a professional network where conservators, archivists, and digital preservationists can share best practices, research findings, and innovative techniques related to the care and conservation of electronic media.
Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material: The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM) is a professional organization dedicated to the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage in Australia. It serves as a vital network for professionals in the field, facilitating the sharing of knowledge, resources, and best practices among conservators, institutions, and related stakeholders.
Conservation online: Conservation online refers to the digital preservation and management of cultural heritage materials, ensuring their accessibility and longevity in a virtual environment. This process includes the use of various technologies and methodologies to protect digital assets while enabling collaboration among professionals in the field. It emphasizes the importance of building professional networks to share knowledge, resources, and best practices to enhance the overall effectiveness of digital conservation efforts.
Daniel Langlois Foundation: The Daniel Langlois Foundation is an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of digital art and culture. It focuses on the intersection of technology, art, and science, providing support for projects that aim to document and preserve digital artworks, ensuring their accessibility for future generations. This foundation encourages collaboration among professionals in the field, facilitating the exchange of best practices and fostering networks among artists, researchers, and institutions.
Digital art archive: A digital art archive is a collection of digital artworks, documents, and related materials that are preserved and organized for future access and study. These archives serve as a resource for artists, researchers, and the public, allowing for the documentation and preservation of digital art practices, techniques, and histories. By sharing these archives within professional networks, stakeholders can collaborate on best practices for digital preservation and enhance the visibility of digital art.
Digital art through time: Digital art through time refers to the evolution and historical context of digital art forms, encompassing the ways in which technology and artistic practices have changed from the inception of digital media to the present day. This concept highlights how artists have adapted to new tools and techniques while also influencing and being influenced by cultural shifts and technological advancements. Understanding this evolution is crucial for recognizing how digital art fits within broader art historical narratives and contemporary practices.
Digital Preservation Coalition: The Digital Preservation Coalition (DPC) is an international membership organization that aims to promote and facilitate the preservation of digital content. By fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, it provides resources, guidance, and best practices to ensure that digital materials remain accessible and usable over time.
Digital preservation wiki: A digital preservation wiki is a collaborative online platform designed to share knowledge, resources, and best practices related to the long-term storage and management of digital assets. This type of wiki serves as a central hub for professionals in the field, allowing them to contribute insights, tools, and methodologies that enhance the preservation of digital materials. Through this collaborative approach, users can connect with others in the field, fostering community engagement and the exchange of innovative strategies for digital preservation.
Eaasi - emulation as a service infrastructure: Emulation as a Service Infrastructure (EAASI) refers to a cloud-based service model that allows users to access and use software and hardware systems from the past through emulation. This approach enables the preservation and interaction with digital artifacts by replicating legacy systems, making it easier for professionals to maintain, analyze, and share best practices within their fields without needing the original hardware or software.
European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers' Organisations: The European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers' Organisations (ECCO) is a professional network that brings together conservator-restorer organizations from various European countries to promote best practices, professional standards, and collaboration in the field of conservation and restoration. This confederation aims to enhance the visibility and recognition of the conservation profession while fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange among its members.
Guggenheim's Conservation Department: Guggenheim's Conservation Department is a specialized division within the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum focused on the preservation and care of its art collection. This department plays a critical role in ensuring that artworks remain in optimal condition for future generations while sharing insights and practices with other institutions in the field of art conservation.
INCCA Database for Artists' Archives: The INCCA Database for Artists' Archives is an online resource that serves to catalog and provide access to the archival records of artists, particularly focusing on contemporary art practices. This database plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of artists by documenting their work, influences, and the context surrounding their creative processes. By facilitating easy access to these records, it supports collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals in the field, contributing to the overall understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.
International conference on digital preservation: An international conference on digital preservation is a global gathering of professionals, researchers, and stakeholders focused on the challenges and strategies for preserving digital content. These conferences foster collaboration among participants, enabling them to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions to ensure the long-term accessibility of digital materials across various disciplines and sectors.
International Network for the Conservation of Contemporary Art: The International Network for the Conservation of Contemporary Art (INCCA) is a global initiative focused on the preservation and conservation of contemporary artworks. It fosters collaboration among professionals in the field to share knowledge, resources, and best practices aimed at safeguarding modern artistic expressions that often employ innovative materials and technologies. By promoting dialogue and collaborative projects, INCCA enhances the understanding and methodologies needed for effective preservation strategies in the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary art.
Journal of Cultural Heritage: The Journal of Cultural Heritage is a peer-reviewed academic publication that focuses on the preservation, management, and study of cultural heritage across various disciplines. This journal serves as a platform for professionals to share research findings, methodologies, and best practices related to the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage, thus fostering collaboration among scholars, conservators, and practitioners in the field.
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation: The Journal of the American Institute for Conservation is a scholarly publication that focuses on the research, methodologies, and practices in the field of conservation. It serves as a vital platform for professionals to share their findings, innovations, and techniques, fostering collaboration and the dissemination of best practices within the conservation community.
King's College London: King's College London is a prestigious research university located in London, England, founded in 1829. It is one of the oldest and most reputable institutions in the UK, known for its diverse academic programs and active engagement in professional networks, which fosters collaboration and sharing of best practices among digital art preservation professionals.
Leonardo: Leonardo refers to Leonardo da Vinci, a quintessential figure of the Renaissance who excelled in various fields including art, science, and engineering. He is renowned for his masterpieces such as 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper,' but also for his contributions to anatomy, hydraulics, and aerodynamics. His multidisciplinary approach encourages professionals today to engage in collaborative networks and share innovative practices that bridge different areas of expertise.
LinkedIn Groups: LinkedIn Groups are online communities within the LinkedIn platform where professionals can join to discuss topics of interest, share information, and network with peers. These groups provide a space for members to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share best practices, helping to foster collaboration and build professional relationships.
Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that integrates workplace chat, video meetings, file storage, and application integration, designed to enhance teamwork and communication within organizations. It serves as a centralized hub where team members can communicate in real-time, share documents, and collaborate on projects, making it an essential tool for fostering professional networks and sharing best practices in various fields.
MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a renowned art museum located in New York City, known for its influential collection of modern and contemporary art. Established in 1929, MoMA has played a crucial role in promoting and preserving modern artistic movements, making it a vital hub for artists, curators, and art enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and share best practices in the realm of art preservation and presentation.
Museums and the web: Museums and the web refers to the integration of digital technologies and online platforms by museums to enhance accessibility, engagement, and preservation of cultural heritage. This connection enables museums to reach broader audiences, foster virtual interactions, and share valuable resources, while also facilitating collaboration among professionals in the field.
Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Art and Science: The Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Art and Science (NICAS) is a research institute dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage through interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, conservators, and artists. NICAS focuses on the integration of science with conservation practices, providing a platform for professionals to share knowledge, advance techniques, and enhance the preservation of art and artifacts in the Netherlands and beyond.
New York University: New York University (NYU) is a prestigious private research university located in New York City, known for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life. It plays a crucial role in various professional fields, including digital art preservation, by fostering innovation, collaboration, and networking among students and professionals.
Preservation of complex objects symposia: Preservation of complex objects symposia refers to conferences and gatherings focused on the challenges, strategies, and best practices involved in preserving intricate artifacts, artworks, or digital items that have multiple components or layers of meaning. These symposia provide a platform for professionals in the field to share knowledge, discuss innovations, and foster collaboration, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in addressing preservation issues. The dialogues at these events often center around enhancing standards, improving methodologies, and creating networks that benefit the preservation community.
Preserving virtual worlds: Preserving virtual worlds refers to the practices and strategies employed to maintain and safeguard digital environments, such as video games, simulations, and online communities, ensuring their continued accessibility and functionality over time. This involves not just the technical aspects of storage and data management, but also the cultural significance and user experiences tied to these digital spaces. A collaborative approach through networks can amplify efforts in sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices essential for effective preservation.
Rhizome's ArtBase: Rhizome's ArtBase is an online database that archives and preserves digital artworks, enabling access to a wide range of contemporary art and cultural artifacts. This platform emphasizes the importance of digital preservation and the collaborative nature of art collection, allowing artists, curators, and institutions to share and maintain artworks in a constantly evolving digital landscape.
Rhizome's Webrecorder Tool: Rhizome's Webrecorder Tool is an innovative digital archiving application designed to capture and preserve web content in a way that maintains its original functionality and interactivity. This tool allows users to create high-fidelity web archives by recording how webpages behave, including dynamic elements like videos and forms, ensuring a more accurate representation of the online experience for future access.
Slack channels: Slack channels are specific communication spaces within the Slack platform that allow teams to collaborate, share information, and discuss topics in an organized manner. Each channel can be focused on particular projects, interests, or areas of work, making it easier for team members to communicate effectively and access relevant information quickly.
Studies in conservation: Studies in conservation refer to the interdisciplinary research and practices aimed at preserving and maintaining cultural heritage, including artworks, artifacts, and digital materials. This field involves examining methods, materials, and technologies used in preservation, as well as sharing knowledge and experiences among professionals to improve techniques and standards within the industry.
Tate: Tate refers to a network of art institutions in the UK that plays a crucial role in contemporary art preservation and exhibition. It encompasses galleries, museums, and resources that support artists and the broader art community, fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices in the field.
Twitter: Twitter is a social media platform that allows users to post and interact with short messages known as tweets, which are limited to 280 characters. It serves as a powerful tool for individuals and organizations to share information, network with others, and engage in conversations, making it particularly valuable for participating in professional networks and sharing best practices.
Variable media network: A variable media network is a collaborative framework designed to address the complexities of preserving digital art, where artworks may change in format or require different methods of preservation due to their technological nature. This network connects artists, curators, conservators, and technologists, facilitating knowledge sharing and best practices for managing the challenges posed by digital artworks that may not exist in a singular, stable form. The variable nature of these artworks necessitates adaptive preservation strategies that can evolve alongside technological advancements.
ZKM's Digital Art Conservation Project: ZKM's Digital Art Conservation Project is an initiative by the ZKM | Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe, Germany, focused on the preservation and conservation of digital art. This project seeks to address the unique challenges posed by digital works, such as their reliance on technology and software that can quickly become obsolete. By participating in collaborative networks, the project shares best practices and methodologies with other institutions to ensure the longevity and accessibility of digital art for future generations.