The seventh edition of our conference series is dedicated to the ethical and social implications of the digital transformation in museums. 

Belvedere, Vienna (online), January 20–24, 2025

Argument

The seventh edition of our conference series is dedicated to the ethical and social implications of the digital transformation in museums. Digital technologies present both opportunities and challenges. For example, museums can use digital media to make their collections accessible to a wider audience and create interactive experiences. At the same time, however, they must also take into account matters of data security, copyright, and cultural representation. In this context, digital humanism in museums refers to the integration of digital technologies and methods into museum practice to improve the understanding and accessibility of cultural heritage. This approach aims to bring human values and social aspects of culture to the fore while using modern technologies to intensify the interaction between artwork and audience. Digital humanism recognizes the potential of information technology but at the same time identifies possible threats and the need for ethical guidelines in the context of artificial intelligence, automation, and job losses (Vienna Manifesto, 2019). Digital humanism in art and cultural heritage institutions therefore aims to ensure that the use of digital technologies does not become an end in itself or a playground for global corporations. This conference provides a platform for exchanging ideas and sharing best practices to shape the digital transformation in line with humanistic values.

We are delighted to announce that Julian Nida-Rümelin (professor emeritus of philosophy and political theory at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) will be our keynote speaker.

Further information.

Submission guidelines

We look forward to your paper proposals in the fields of museums/museology, art and cultural history, visual and media studies, and digital humanities. Please submit your abstract for a twenty- to twenty-five-minute presentation in German or English (max. 250 words) including a short biography with complete contact information as a PDF document to: conferences@belvedere.at

by November 11, 2024.

Conference languages : German & English

All talks will be held online. The panel discussion and a workshop for registered participants (Friday) will also take place in person at the Belvedere, Vienna. Participation in the conference is free of charge.

Conference committee

• Johanna Aufreiter,
• Christian Huemer,
•  Sylvia Stegbauer (Belvedere Research Center),
• Hanna Brinkmann (University for Continuing Education Krems),
• Jacqueline Klusik-Eckert (Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf),
• Ross Parry (University of Leicester).

Conference partners

University of Leicester – Institute for Digital Culture; ICOM Österreich, Museumsbund Österreich, DArtHist Austria

Hashtags: #digitalmuseum #belvederemuseum