Glossary

13.2 Archiving and cataloging methods

4 min read•july 18, 2024

Street art and graffiti documentation is evolving. Metadata systems and digital asset management are key to preserving these ephemeral artworks. Standardized fields, controlled vocabularies, and unique identifiers help organize and track pieces effectively.

Collaboration between institutions and digital platforms for dissemination are crucial. Partnerships leverage expertise, while user-friendly interfaces and interactive features engage diverse audiences. These efforts ensure street art's cultural impact is preserved and shared.

Metadata and Cataloging Systems

Metadata system for street art

  • Establish a standardized set of metadata fields captures essential information about each artwork
    • Artist name or pseudonym identifies the creator of the piece (Banksy, Shepard Fairey)
    • Date of creation records when the artwork was made (July 15, 2023)
    • Location specifies where the artwork is located, including city, neighborhood, street, and GPS coordinates (New York City, Lower East Side, Ludlow Street, 40.7191° N, 73.9894° W)
    • Medium describes the materials and techniques used to create the artwork (spray paint, stencil, wheat paste)
    • Dimensions measure the physical size of the artwork (8 feet by 12 feet)
    • Photographic documentation provides visual records of the artwork (high-resolution images, multiple angles)
    • Keywords or tags describe the content, style, or themes of the artwork (political commentary, portrait, abstract)
  • Ensure metadata consistency across all records maintains a cohesive and searchable database
    • Use controlled vocabularies for fields like medium and keywords standardizes terminology (aerosol paint instead of spray paint)
    • Implement data validation checks for accuracy and completeness (required fields, format restrictions)
  • Create a unique identifier system for each artwork enables efficient tracking and organization
    • Use a combination of artist name, date, and location to generate IDs ensures specificity (Banksy_20230715_NYC_LES_Ludlow)
    • Ensure IDs are consistent and easily searchable facilitates database management and retrieval

Digital asset management for graffiti

  • Select a suitable digital asset management (DAM) system streamlines organization and access
    • Consider factors such as scalability, metadata support, and user interface when evaluating options (Adobe Experience Manager, Bynder, Extensis Portfolio)
    • Choose a system that can handle large volumes of assets and complex metadata structures
  • Import and organize digital assets within the DAM system creates a structured and navigable repository
    • Create a logical folder structure based on artist, location, or date groups related assets together (Banksy > New York City > 2023)
    • Ensure all assets are properly tagged with relevant metadata enables advanced search and filtering
  • Implement advanced search functionality allows users to quickly find desired assets
    • Enable searching by metadata fields, keywords, and tags offers multiple entry points (search by artist name, location, or theme)
    • Optimize search results with filters and facets narrows down results based on specific criteria (filter by date range or medium)
  • Establish user roles and permissions safeguards sensitive or copyrighted material
    • Control access to sensitive or copyrighted material prevents unauthorized use or distribution
    • Allow different levels of access for researchers, curators, and public users tailors functionality to user needs (view-only access for public, editing permissions for curators)

Collaboration and Preservation

Institutional collaboration for preservation

  • Engage in partnerships with cultural heritage institutions leverages expertise and resources
    • Identify institutions with an interest in preserving street art and graffiti, such as museums, libraries, and archives (Museum of the City of New York, New York Public Library)
    • Establish memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to outline collaboration goals, responsibilities, and timelines
  • Develop shared guidelines for documentation and preservation ensures consistent practices across institutions
    • Agree on standardized metadata fields and controlled vocabularies aligns data collection and organization
    • Establish protocols for handling sensitive or ephemeral artworks addresses unique challenges of street art preservation (guidelines for documenting temporary installations or commissioned murals)
  • Explore joint funding opportunities supports long-term sustainability of preservation efforts
    • Identify grants and sponsorships to support preservation initiatives, such as digitization projects or conservation treatments (National Endowment for the Arts, Institute of Museum and Library Services)
    • Pool resources to acquire necessary equipment and technology, such as high-resolution cameras or archival storage materials
  • Participate in professional networks and conferences promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration
    • Share knowledge and experiences with the broader cultural heritage community through presentations, workshops, and publications
    • Contribute to the development of industry-wide best practices for documenting and preserving street art and graffiti

Digital platforms for art dissemination

  • Design user-friendly web interfaces for exploring collections engages diverse audiences
    • Implement intuitive navigation and search functionality allows users to easily find artworks of interest (browse by artist, location, or theme)
    • Provide high-quality images and detailed artwork information enhances appreciation and understanding (zoomable images, artist biographies, historical context)
  • Develop interactive features to enhance user engagement encourages deeper exploration and connection
    • Allow users to contribute comments, tags, or personal stories fosters community dialogue and shared experiences
    • Create virtual tours or maps of street art locations enables remote access and discovery (interactive map of New York City street art hotspots)
  • Ensure accessibility for diverse audiences removes barriers to engagement
    • Provide multi-lingual support and accessibility features accommodates non-English speakers and users with disabilities (Spanish and Chinese translations, alt text for images)
    • Optimize platforms for mobile devices and low-bandwidth connections ensures access for users with varying technology capabilities
  • Promote digital platforms through social media and outreach expands reach and impact
    • Engage with street art and graffiti communities online builds relationships and gathers feedback (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
    • Collaborate with artists, researchers, and educators to expand reach and develop educational resources (lesson plans, research guides, artist interviews)

Key Terms to Review (9)

Archivist: An archivist is a professional responsible for preserving, organizing, and managing collections of historical documents and records. They play a vital role in ensuring that important cultural artifacts, such as street art and graffiti, are documented and accessible for future generations. By employing various archiving and cataloging methods, archivists contribute to the preservation of a community's history and artistic expression.
Collection policies: Collection policies are formalized guidelines and strategies that determine how an organization acquires, maintains, and manages its collection of artworks, artifacts, or any other items of significance. These policies ensure that the collection aligns with the institution's mission and goals, providing a framework for ethical decision-making and resource allocation.
Conservator: A conservator is a professional who is responsible for the preservation and protection of artworks and cultural heritage items, ensuring they remain in good condition for future generations. This role involves assessing the physical state of objects, performing necessary repairs or treatments, and creating proper storage and display environments. The work of a conservator is essential in maintaining the integrity and longevity of artworks, including street art and graffiti.
Copyright issues: Copyright issues refer to the legal challenges and considerations surrounding the use and ownership of creative works, including visual art, music, literature, and more. In the context of street art and graffiti, these issues often arise when artists create works that are displayed in galleries or integrated into the art market, as well as when these works are archived and cataloged for preservation or exhibition purposes. Copyright can dictate who has the right to reproduce, distribute, or sell artworks, making it a crucial element for both artists and institutions.
Curatorial practices: Curatorial practices refer to the methods and strategies employed by curators to collect, organize, interpret, and present art and artifacts within exhibitions or collections. These practices are crucial in shaping how audiences engage with art, as they determine the narrative and context through which works are viewed. Effective curatorial practices not only enhance the visibility of street art and graffiti but also contribute to the preservation and documentation of these often ephemeral forms of expression.
Digital archiving: Digital archiving is the process of storing and preserving digital content for long-term access and use. This method involves creating a structured and organized system to manage various types of digital materials, such as images, documents, videos, and other media, ensuring their integrity and accessibility over time. Digital archiving is crucial for documenting cultural phenomena and allows for easy sharing and retrieval of information in today's digital age.
Museum of Street Art: The Museum of Street Art is an institution dedicated to preserving, showcasing, and promoting the diverse forms of street art and graffiti. This museum functions as a bridge between traditional art institutions and the urban art scene, employing innovative archiving and cataloging methods to document the transient nature of street art while elevating its status in the contemporary art world.
Open access: Open access refers to the unrestricted online availability of research outputs, such as scholarly articles, data sets, and educational resources, which allows anyone to read, download, and use these materials without financial, legal, or technical barriers. This approach promotes a culture of sharing and collaboration in research and education, fostering innovation and knowledge dissemination.
Public engagement: Public engagement refers to the process of involving individuals and communities in dialogue and activities that connect them to art, culture, and societal issues. This term highlights the importance of interaction between artists and the public, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the creative process. It encompasses various methods and approaches that invite community input, inspire participation, and create accessible platforms for expression.
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