There is a need to promote sensitivity, awareness, and activism for recognising and safeguarding heritage, which is not just limited to ancient objects but is being constantly created in our daily lives. This was unanimously suggested by experts at the 5th edition of the international conference series on Heritage Management Education and Practice, organised by the Centre for Heritage Management at Ahmedabad University during March 15-17, 2024.
The conference discussed the impact of digital technologies and emerging economic trends in arts, crafts, heritage, and innovations. It also examined various economic and technological perspectives needed for adapting to the changing landscape. The chief guest at the conference was Ashwini Kumar, Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, Government of Gujarat, while the keynote address was delivered by Mugdha Sinha, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, New Delhi. Some key findings emerging from the conference are presented below.
Transformative Potential of Digital Technology
About four generations of technology have evolved over the past decade, including numerous artificial intelligence large language models (LLMs) and plug-ins. The transformative potential of digital technologies with respect to heritage management is evident in the generational rebuilding process of Japan's Esa Jingu Shrine and technology, suggesting the evolution of technology in accordance with the framework of Strauss-Howe’s generational theory. UNESCO's charter on digital heritage also suggests redefining heritage in the digital age. The ontological, axiological, and epistemological perspectives facilitated by digital technologies could also revolutionise heritage management.
Digital Technologies and Community Practices
Urbanisation, migration, and changes in the lives and lifestyles of ethnic communities threaten the continuity of cultural heritage and community practices. The traditional Mongolian dance, Biyelgee, which has been passed down through generations in Mongolia, is a case in point. Modern digital technology can help preserve art forms like Biyelgee through educational resources and spreading knowledge.
Digital Technologies and Belief Systems
Digital technologies have enabled an evolution in the models of language, linguistics and their programming, as well as the genesis of terminology. Memes play an important role in creating and curating cultural heritage and collective memory. They also serve as a bridge between experiences and expressions through the use of humour or nostalgia, and the juxtaposition of historical events with present-day experiences.
Digital Technologies and Business
The conference highlighted the rapid digitisation in art and asserted that about 20 per cent of the artists had embraced digital platforms in 2022. For instance, globally museums are adopting entrepreneurial strategies to engage audiences, increase revenues, and achieve financial stability. They now secure funding through innovative techniques including online ticketing, merchandise sales, virtual tours, digital memberships, crowdfunding campaigns, and sponsorships to reach a global audience. Recent developments such as the advent of Art Security Tokens, which enable fractional ownership of artworks, have led to both exposure for the art and potential future profits for investors.
Private Spaces in Digital Realms
The emergence of digital markets was also one of the discussion points at the conference. While the use of digital archives has facilitated cataloguing in museums, digital archiving, cloud sharing, and record management of sensitive documents still need human intervention to safeguard the privacy of the data.
Digital Technologies Enhance Heritage Experience
Emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) could enhance visitor experiences, shows a study on Bandar Penggram, Batu Pahat, Johor in Malaysia. This study entailed analysis of a heritage trail to showcase these assets to visitors using innovative technologies, such as interactive mobile apps and virtual reality tours. Professionals can promote heritage conservation, economic growth, and cultural identity in Batu Pahat by engaging the local community and leveraging advanced technologies for effective communication on heritage interpretation.
Digitisation and Cultural Resource Accounting
There is need for a new accounting system for arts and culture. Since India follows a system of national accounts to account for the contribution of arts and cultures to GDP, the satellite accounting system has been overlooked due to the non-availability of sector-specific data. Digitisation enables data collection and can usher in a granular accounting system for arts and creative industries.
The global cultural economy has become one of the most significant industries in the world, and is also estimated to exceed the petroleum industry in size. In India, the creative economy, with its huge domino effect, can create jobs, adding about 2.7 per cent to the GDP. Simultaneously, however, it is important to pave the way for better collation of data to promote a better understanding of the creative economy in India, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This can be achieved by drawing upon successful models implemented by communities in Latin America, Scandinavia, and Britain.
The experts at the conference concluded that heritage must be preserved as a public good and a shared asset. Digital technology can play a critical role in protecting heritage globally. Diverse examples of the repository of heritage, ranging from Ajanta and the eco-zone of Hyderabad in India, to the global hospitality industry, and the Greek Orchestra suggest the multifaceted nature of heritage practices across different countries and contexts, and the imperative for employing interdisciplinary approaches in preserving this heritage.