Research

18 pages, 323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exhibiting the Heritage of COVID-19—A Conversation with ChatGPT

by Dirk H. R. Spennemann

Heritage 2023, 6(8), 5732-5749; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage6080302 - 07 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1701

The documentation and management of the cultural heritage of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the heritage of the digital age are emerging discourses in cultural heritage management. The enthusiastic uptake of a generative artificial intelligence application (ChatGPT) by the general public and [...] Read more.

The documentation and management of the cultural heritage of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the heritage of the digital age are emerging discourses in cultural heritage management. The enthusiastic uptake of a generative artificial intelligence application (ChatGPT) by the general public and academics alike has provided an opportunity to explore (i) whether, and to what extent, generative AI can conceptualize an emergent, not well-described field of cultural heritage (the heritage of COVID-19), (ii), whether it can design an exhibition on the topic, and (iii) whether it can identify sites associated with the pandemic that may become significant heritage. Drawing on an extended ‘conversation’ with ChatGPT, this paper shows that generative AI is capable of not only developing a concept for an exhibition of the heritage of COVID-19 but also that it can provide a defensible array of exhibition topics as well as a relevant selection of exhibition objects. ChatGPT is also capable of making suggestions on the selection of cultural heritage sites associated with the pandemic, but these lack specificity. The discrepancy between ChatGPT’s responses to the exhibition concept and its responses regarding potential heritage sites suggests differential selection and access to the data that were used to train the model, with a seemingly heavy reliance on Wikipedia. The ‘conversation’ has shown that ChatGPT can serve as a brainstorming tool, but that a curator’s considered interpretation of the responses is still essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

21 pages, 5473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Digital Heritage of the Battle to Contain COVID-19 in Australia and Its Implications for Heritage Studies

by Dirk H.R. Spennemann

Heritage 2023, 6(5), 3864-3884; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage6050205 - 24 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1130

Abstract

One of the major public health measures to manage and contain the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic was to engage in systematic contact tracing, which required gastronomy, community and sporting venues to keep patron registers. Stand-alone and web-based applications, developed by a range [...] Read more.

One of the major public health measures to manage and contain the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic was to engage in systematic contact tracing, which required gastronomy, community and sporting venues to keep patron registers. Stand-alone and web-based applications, developed by a range of private IT providers, soon replaced pen-and-paper lists. With the introduction of a uniform, state-wide, mandatory data collection system, these private applications became obsolete. Although only active for four months, these applications paved the way for the public acceptance of state-administered collection systems that allowed for an unprecedented, centralized tracking system of the movements of the entire population. This paper discusses the cultural significance of these applications as a game changer in the debate on civil liberties, and addresses the question of how the materiality, or lack thereof, of this digital heritage affects the management of ephemeral smartphone applications, and its preservation for future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

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13 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changing Insect Catch in Viennese Museums during COVID-19

by Peter Brimblecombe and Pascal Querner

Heritage 2023, 6(3), 2809-2821; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage6030150 - 08 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1115

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in societies across the globe. In many countries in Europe, national lockdowns during the spring of 2020 meant that museums were closed, and maintenance and housekeeping were at a minimum. We compared the insect monitoring data [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in societies across the globe. In many countries in Europe, national lockdowns during the spring of 2020 meant that museums were closed, and maintenance and housekeeping were at a minimum. We compared the insect monitoring data of 15 museums in and around Vienna between the years 2018 and 2022 to see potential effects of the two lockdowns (spring 2020 and winter 2020/21) on insect populations. In Vienna, these changes altered the presence of pests, most notably an increase in silverfish by late spring (March–May 2020). We also found increased numbers of other pest species (notably Tineola bisselliella and Attagenus sp.), though these changes were seen later (June–October 2020). Thylodrias contractus, although found only in one museum, appeared to show decreased numbers during 2020. Storage areas in some of the museums revealed no significant increase in insect catch during the COVID-19 related closures. Since there are rarely visitors in such spaces, the situation did not change much during the closures. Silverfish are shy insects, but they were able to range more freely during the closures in the mostly darkened rooms. The increase of Tineola bisselliella and Attagenus sp. could be a result of reduced cleaning in the first lockdown. In the second lockdown, no significant changes were found. Human activity from staff was much higher compared to the first closure; a second reason could be the time of year, as in the winter period, it is mainly larvae that are active. Increased insect populations remind us that even when museums are unoccupied, they still need monitoring for possible risks from pests. No damage to the objects from the pests was observed in the museums investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

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15 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Participatory Archives Approach to Fostering Connectivity, Increasing Empathy, and Building Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Jessica Bushey

Heritage 2023, 6(3), 2379-2393; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage6030125 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

This paper explores two pandemic-era projects conducted by the Museum and Archives of North Vancouver (MONOVA) using a participatory archives framework during the COVID-19 pandemic. #NorthVanStories, a rapid-respond social media collecting project, ran from May to September 2020 and received over 200 submissions. [...] Read more.

This paper explores two pandemic-era projects conducted by the Museum and Archives of North Vancouver (MONOVA) using a participatory archives framework during the COVID-19 pandemic. #NorthVanStories, a rapid-respond social media collecting project, ran from May to September 2020 and received over 200 submissions. #NorthVanStories–Living Histories, a digital video oral history project, ran from summer 2020 to fall 2021 and produced five videos with seven storytellers from diverse and vulnerable communities. This paper discusses the power of collaborative documenting, storytelling, and memory-making to foster connectivity, increase empathy, and build resilience. It highlights the benefits of working collaboratively with organizations and communities; successful approaches to planning and outreach activities; the importance of flexibility and sustainability when working with communities in times of crisis; and how to ensure the future relevance of archives by being responsive to contemporary events and community interests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

12 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contemporary Collecting in a Pandemic: Challenges and Solutions for Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic in Memory Organizations

by Chiara Zuanni

Heritage 2022, 5(4), 3616-3627; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage5040188 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1427

Abstract

This paper draws on a survey of contemporary collecting projects aiming to document the COVID-19 pandemic in museums and other memory organizations. The survey focused on European memory organizations and investigated the practices they adopted in collecting, accessioning, recording, preserving, and displaying material [...] Read more.

This paper draws on a survey of contemporary collecting projects aiming to document the COVID-19 pandemic in museums and other memory organizations. The survey focused on European memory organizations and investigated the practices they adopted in collecting, accessioning, recording, preserving, and displaying material and immaterial witnesses of the pandemic. This paper presents the results of the survey, with a particular attention on the challenges faced by these projects in relation to born-digital objects. It discusses how organizations were able to quickly launch initiatives aimed at collecting memories of the pandemic, drawing on different collection methods, adapting to the circumstances, and using a proactive attitude to reach out to different communities. The paper highlights the solutions adopted to ensure legal compliance in these projects and discusses the need for ethical considerations in relation to the collection of traumatic memories. It suggests that these collecting projects are likely to face significant challenges in the subsequent processing of this material—due to its volume and the need for new digital curation and preservation workflows. Therefore, the paper argues that these projects could also lead to a renewed attention and collaboration across the heritage sector on issues of digital curation and preservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

16 pages, 791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Exhibition of Intangible Heritage and the Role of Museums in COVID-19 Era—Focusing on Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori Video Experience Center in South Korea

by Mira Han and Yumi Yi

Heritage 2022, 5(3), 2673-2688; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage5030140 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2697

Abstract

A major purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital exhibitions of intangible heritage in the COVID-19 era and to ascertain the role of museums in enhancing understanding and interest in intangible heritage. This survey was designed to determine Gwangju [...] Read more.

A major purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital exhibitions of intangible heritage in the COVID-19 era and to ascertain the role of museums in enhancing understanding and interest in intangible heritage. This survey was designed to determine Gwangju citizens’ perception of intangible heritage and preference for visiting museums, focusing on the Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori Experience Center in Korea. As a result, three perspectives were derived. First, exhibitions and video experience centers that use digital technology were more helpful toward understanding Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori than festivals. Second, the frequency of visits to local festivals or museums positively affected the frequency of visits to the Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori Video Experience Center. This demonstrates that cultural heritage conservation programs have a positive effect on each other. Third, the purpose of visiting the museum varied by age. For example, parents visited museums for educational purposes, which clearly shows that the reason for visiting the museum varies according to age. These results prove that museums must not only understand visitors’ needs, but they also must jointly consider ways to revitalize their exhibitions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

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17 pages, 8858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stille Nacht: COVID and the Ghost of Christmas 2020

by Murray Parker and Dirk H. R. Spennemann

Heritage 2021, 4(4), 3081-3097; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage4040172 - 04 Oct 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3413

Abstract

Annually, there are between 2500 and 3000 Christmas markets in Germany. While purported to be rooted in century-old tradition, the current concept of the markets, shaped in the 1930s, gradually transformed from primarily mercantile operations to experiential events. The experiential dimension is a [...] Read more.

Annually, there are between 2500 and 3000 Christmas markets in Germany. While purported to be rooted in century-old tradition, the current concept of the markets, shaped in the 1930s, gradually transformed from primarily mercantile operations to experiential events. The experiential dimension is a collection of visual, auditory, and olfactory components that create a compound sensory response: the ‘Christmas atmosphere’. The prevalence of COVID-19 meant that traditional Christmas markets were largely absent from the festive calendar in Germany in 2020, disrupting the usual sensory experiences associated with these events. A review of the online presence showed that augmented markets and virtual reality were subsequently utilized in an attempt to re-create the experience and the ambience of the traditional markets, but had limited interactivity with many of the senses. We explore to what extent these multiple-sensory components may have been lost during the Christmas period of 2020 due to the COVID-19-induced transition from the traditional multisensory live market to a predominantly online experience, and highlight problems which arise through the documentation of such complex intangible heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

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16 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Languages and Context Issues of ICTs for a New Role of Museums in the COVID-19 Era

by Antonella Lerario

Heritage 2021, 4(4), 3065-3080; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage4040171 - 02 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2008

Abstract

The rapid spread of the COVID pandemic is deeply changing people’s lives and upsetting consolidated models and lifestyles. The social distancing measures for the reduction of contagion have been heavily affecting people’s daily experiences, such as for example the public’s relationship with cultural [...] Read more.

The rapid spread of the COVID pandemic is deeply changing people’s lives and upsetting consolidated models and lifestyles. The social distancing measures for the reduction of contagion have been heavily affecting people’s daily experiences, such as for example the public’s relationship with cultural resources. Museums, in particular, are paying the highest price for that, forced to find new forms for heritage fruition, thus representing an emblematic case. Taking its steps from the analysis of the pandemic’s effects on global museum heritage and of museums’ response, the article focuses then on ICTs’ role as communication languages between heritage and its audiences in the solutions adopted, and on their suitability to the changed context. Finally, reflections on structural and contextual aspects of the dialogue between cultural resources and their public, beyond strictly technological matters, are proposed, to highlight the real extent of the challenges facing the museum sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

23 pages, 9735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 on the Ground: Managing the Heritage Sites of a Pandemic

by Dirk H. R. Spennemann

Heritage 2021, 4(3), 2140-2162; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/heritage4030121 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5016

Abstract

The standard methodology for the assessment of cultural heritage significance relies on hindsight, with a passage of time elapsed between the creation of the site or object and its assessment. There are, however, cases where heritage significance is instant (e.g., sites associated with [...] Read more.

The standard methodology for the assessment of cultural heritage significance relies on hindsight, with a passage of time elapsed between the creation of the site or object and its assessment. There are, however, cases where heritage significance is instant (e.g., sites associated with the first Moon landing). This paper argues that hindsight will not be required to determine that the COVID-19 pandemic will come to be considered as a significant historic event, as COVID-19 has already manifested itself as a social, cultural and economic disruptor on a global scale with a mortality in the millions. Heritage professionals have the unique opportunity to assess and document places and structures associated with the pandemic, that are poised to be worthy of a heritage listing in the near future, while they are still in use and function as intended. This paper discusses the nature of the sites and structures and explores possible management approaches to safeguard evidence of the pandemic for future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Impact of COVID-19 on Cultural Heritage)

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