The impact of digitization on the management and promotion of cultural artifacts is moving beyond mere convenience; it is creating new avenues for cultural engagement and economic developmentThe Digital Cultural Relics Forum recently took place at the National People's Congress Conference Center in China, highlighting the emerging synergy between technology and cultural heritage administration.
This event was organized by prominent institutions, including the China International Economic and Technological Cooperation Promotion Association and the Beijing National Policy Think Tank Information Technology Research Institute, in collaboration with Yunsiluo International Holdings Group and Zhongwen Silk Road (Beijing) Technology Co., LtdThe forum emphasized the necessity of digitizing cultural relics to facilitate their protection, management, and usage, thereby integrating cultural heritage more fully into socio-economic frameworks.
Sunjianwei, the chairman of the Yunsiluo Holdings Group, introduced their initiative aimed at marrying tangible goods with digital relics through blockchain technology and smart contracts
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This combination not only ensures the integrity of the cultural objects but also empowers companies with the legal rights to utilize these digital versions of cultural assetsThis use of technology paves the way for a broader dissemination of Chinese culture, allowing it to traverse physical borders and foster international understanding.
Established in 2016, Yunsiluo Holdings Group operates across various sectors—supply chains, healthcare, digital transactions, and industrial operations—playing a crucial role in multiple countries and regions globallyTheir initiative stands testament to the increasingly vital intersection between cultural heritage and digital innovation as outlined in China's 14th Five-Year Plan and the 2035 Vision, which stresses the importance of culturally-driven technological strategy.
During the forum, Liu Xiaofeng discussed the strategic importance of invigorating cultural relics, underlining the potential of these artifacts to contribute significantly to economic and social development
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He delineated how fostering international exchanges can promote China’s rich narratives on a global stage, encouraging mutual cultural learning and appreciation.
Wang Qifan, a distinguished figure at the gathering, endorsed the potential of digital technologies to enhance artifact management and protectionHe elaborated on how digitalization facilitates the creation of comprehensive databases and archives for cultural relics, which streamline the storage, retrieval, and updating processes for large volumes of informationThis is critical for mitigating risks associated with loss or damage of physical records.
By enabling remote access to cultural artifact information through the internet, researchers and scholars can engage in academic endeavors without the need for physical proximity to museums or sitesMoreover, digital sensors offer real-time monitoring of climate factors affecting artifacts, such as temperature and humidity, which aids in implementing timely conservation measures.
The essence of digitization extends beyond protection; it plays a pivotal role in the commercial development and revitalization of cultural artifacts
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Wang articulated a vision involving the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and smart exhibition techniques to create highly interactive and engaging exhibits that amplify audience experienceInnovations like virtual reality presentations and interactive displays make cultural artifacts accessible to wider audiences, including those who may not have the opportunity for in-person visits.
This approach not only captures the attention of a broader public but enhances the economic aspects surrounding cultural heritageFor instance, platforms could be established to sell digital products related to these artifacts, such as e-books, replicas, and themed merchandise, thus augmenting their market valueAdditionally, initiating both online and offline events themed around cultural artifacts—like creative markets or cultural festivals—can draw more participants and active cultural engagement, fostering a community around heritage preservation and appreciation.
Wang further stressed the importance of transforming cultural elements into intellectual property through the development of cultural relics into various media such as animation, gaming, and film, which can elevate the visibility of heritage in the entertainment industry
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Establishing digital creative workshops would enable artists and designers to innovate using digital technologies, creating works that draw from and celebrate cultural relics, thereby invigorating the creative industry.
Creating online learning resources tied to cultural relics serves dual purposes: promoting education around these artifacts and supporting the research and educational efforts of students and scholars alikeLeveraging social media can augment engagement through storytelling, delivering exclusive insights, and enhancing audience participation, which is essential in making cultural dialogue dynamic and accessible.
In a compelling segment of the forum, Li Daokui offered deep insights into the current global economic landscape and how it relates to China's economic dynamics, providing anticipatory analysis of potential economic trends for 2024.
As the forum concluded, Zhang Bo highlighted the mission of Zhongwen Silk Road, a platform dedicated to supporting the digitization and innovation of cultural heritage
