The European Commission is evaluating one of its main policy instruments on digitisation, online access and digital preservation of cultural heritage material. The current policy recommendation was developed in 2011 and helps the EU Member States to set their priorities and directions on digital cultural heritage, and support the work done by cultural heritage institutions across Europe.
It has resulted in a variety of co-funding actions and determined Europeana’s development as the European platform for digital culture through the millions of digitised items made available from across all Member States.
The recent COVID-19 crisis has highlighted more than ever the importance of online access to digital cultural heritage. It has also shown the resilience, creativity and solidarity of our sector.
With the public consultation, launched by the European Commission, we have an opportunity to build on the momentum and recognition sparked by the crisis to help shape our sector’s digital future.
Raising our voices
The next few months are critical. This consultation comes as decisions are being made at national and EU level on the future impact of Europe’s cultural heritage sector and the funding available to support it.
We can shape the future to meet our needs and ambitions and strengthen our contribution to society. But only if we work collaboratively and speak with a strong, shared voice!
The European Commission wants to hear our views. We strongly encourage you to respond to their consultation survey before 14 September and make sure that the voice of the cultural heritage sector is heard.
Responding to the survey
- Go to the online consultation (see here a PDF of the survey)
- You will need to use your ECAS-login to enter – or create an account if you do not already have one.
- We encourage you to complete the survey as fully as you can. It asks for your views on the importance of access to digital culture and what support you feel is required to make the advances needed as an institution and as a sector. Questions covered include the need for high-quality digitisation, skills-building and the use of 3D and artificial intelligence.
- Question 24: The EU’s funding of Europeana is important. We encourage you to select ‘Strongly agree’.
- You also have the opportunity (Question 30) to provide further thoughts on improving digitisation, online access, digital preservation and transformation in the cultural heritage sector, and to submit position papers (Question 31).
A joint call for advocacy with our partner Europeana Foundation –
Thanks for your commitment!