Interview with Anna Maria Marras, University of Turin
Museums are often perceived as places resistant to change, but in light of the rapid acceleration of recent years, it has become increasingly clear that those who do not adapt “slowly die.” It is essential to seek innovative tools, attract new skills, and make heritage accessible through new pathways.
We discuss this with Anna Maria Marras, researcher in library science and archival studies at the Department of Historical Studies at the University of Turin, where she teaches Digital Cultural Heritage, Places and Institutions of Culture, and Digital Cultures for Cultural Heritage.
Anna Maria holds a PhD in archaeology and focuses on the digital and accessibility aspects of cultural heritage. She collaborates with various cultural institutions and is involved in several national and international projects. Since 2019, she has been the secretary-general of AVICOM – ICOM, and she is on the board of ICOM Italy.
What is meant by the digitalization of cultural heritage?
The digitalization of cultural heritage involves converting physical objects, artworks, and documents into digital formats. From ancient texts to statues, everything can be scanned or recreated in 3D.
Why is it important, and what opportunities does it offer?
The goal is to preserve heritage and make it accessible to a global audience, allowing people to explore collections that would otherwise be difficult to access due to geographic or physical limitations. It also offers innovative experiences such as virtual tours and augmented reality, which particularly attract younger generations.
This process also helps preserve objects, documents, and artworks, protecting them from deterioration and providing a digital backup in case of physical damage.
What are the limitations of digitalization?
Although there are no inherently negative consequences to digitalization, it does require new forms of preservation. It’s not just about protecting the digital object but also ensuring the maintenance of the technological platforms that host it, with continuous updates and management costs, as well as the environmental impact of large digital data banks.
Additionally, there are digital inequalities: not everyone has access to the necessary technology to enjoy digital experiences, which could create new forms of cultural exclusion for those who lack the appropriate technological tools.
What role do diagnostic investigations play in this context?
Diagnostic investigations play a crucial role in seamlessly integrating with digital preservation processes. Advanced scientific techniques such as infrared reflectography, X-ray fluorescence, and computed tomography allow for non-invasive analysis of artworks, revealing essential information about their condition, the materials used, and the methods of creation.
In an increasingly digitalized world, the results of these investigations can be used to enrich the digital experiences offered by museums. By integrating the data collected, it’s possible to provide the public with detailed and scientific information that would not normally be visible to the naked eye, such as hidden layers of paint or artistic techniques used by the creator. This not only enhances the quality of the digital experience but also enables more conscious and precise preservation of heritage, making digitalization a tool for active conservation.
Moreover, the growing role of digital and diagnostic technologies requires new skills and professionals capable of managing and interpreting this data. Experts in diagnostics and digital preservation, along with professionals able to translate these findings into accessible digital content, will be essential to ensure the proper management of cultural heritage in the future.
Cultural professions and the role of culture. How are they evolving?
Continuous education and skill development are now essential in all fields, including the cultural sector.
Traditionally centered around roles such as curators, archivists, or conservators, cultural professions are expanding with new technological, managerial, and interdisciplinary skills. The emergence of figures like the digital curator or the expert in digital communication reflects the need to respond to an increasingly global and digital audience.
The Competencies for Cultural Heritage research by the Fondazione Scuola dei Beni e delle Attività Culturali highlighted the importance of various competencies in cultural institutions, going beyond traditional professional profiles to include roles related to communication and fundraising. The research identified 23 professional profiles, 120 roles, and over 150 specific activities.
In this context, the European project CHARTER (Cultural Heritage Action to Refine Training, Education, and Roles) aims to create a European strategy for cultural heritage professions. Among its objectives, the project seeks to collect data on the skills required in Europe and develop a strategic framework for training, education, and defining professional roles in the cultural sector. In a historical context where digital technology is an integral and essential part of daily life, the integration of culture and technology is not just an opportunity but a strategic necessity to ensure the transmission and enjoyment of cultural heritage. This synergistic approach, combining the humanities with technological innovations, is essential for ensuring the preservation and enhancement of cultural assets, offering advanced methods of archiving, analysis, and access.
