European Cultural Memory in Its Digitalization

International Conference organized by the Field of Excellence – Dimensions of Europe of the University of Graz

The concept of cultural heritage has been in circulation for decades (e.g. UNESCO convention 1972) if not centuries (e.g. discussion on repatriation of artworks at the Congress of Vienna, 1815), in scientific, cultural and policy contexts. The extensive digitization of collections in archives, museums, and libraries, as well as the digital dissemination and mediation of cultural artefacts has also been framed as supporting the process of Europeanization. For instance, the mission of Europeana documents this interest in creating a European cultural identity (Capurro 2023). The very idea of a European heritage is embedded with the vision and policies of the European Union, fostering a shared European identity and memory on the grounds of a common culture and history as well as the rejection of the violent experiences of the 20th century (Radonic 2023).

The conference “European Cultural Memory in its Digitalization” focuses on the intersection of cultural heritage, digital transformation and Europeanisation processes, also responding to the recent dynamic trends in Artificial Intelligence. It aims to question and problematize dimensions of cultural heritage from the European past in the context of contemporary social, cultural and technological transformations. It thus takes into account both the transformative (technological) and representational (discursive) potentials of digitalization of cultural heritage.

This conference will discuss the European and national cultural and research policy strategies in the context of cultural heritage and its digital transformation in general and through the lens of specific projects engaging in this process. Furthermore, recent collaborations between digital humanities and cultural heritage organizations and researchers will be discussed. By contextualizing heritage in the European digital society agenda, general digital transformation processes, datafication and artificial intelligence developments, we will drive forward current debates in Digital Humanities and Memory Studies.

The aim of the conference is to bring together researchers and scholars from various disciplines and reflect on the state of research in the field, opening up fresh discussions and dialogue.