13.2 The role of technology in preserving and promoting Indigenous art

Technology is revolutionizing how Indigenous art is preserved and promoted. Digital tools like 3D scanning and virtual reality create immersive experiences, while online databases make collections accessible worldwide. These advancements enable Indigenous communities to share their art and culture on a global scale.

However, challenges persist. Issues of data sovereignty, intellectual property rights, and cultural sensitivity must be addressed. Indigenous-led digital projects and storytelling initiatives are crucial, empowering communities to control how their heritage is represented and shared in the digital realm.

Digital Tools for Indigenous Art

Capturing and Creating Immersive Experiences

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• Digital photography, 3D scanning, and virtual reality commonly used for capturing high-resolution images and creating immersive experiences of Indigenous artworks and cultural sites
• Enable detailed documentation and preservation of physical artworks, artifacts, and heritage sites
• Allow for the creation of interactive and engaging digital exhibits that can be accessed remotely
• Provide new opportunities for Indigenous artists to experiment with digital media and reach wider audiences

Cataloging, Preserving, and Accessing Collections

• Online databases and digital archives (Aboriginal Art & Culture: an American eye, Reciprocal Research Network) provide centralized platforms for cataloging, preserving, and accessing Indigenous art collections worldwide
• Facilitate the organization and management of large volumes of digital assets related to Indigenous art
• Enable researchers, educators, and the public to access and study Indigenous art from anywhere in the world
• Support the long-term preservation of digital records and metadata associated with Indigenous artworks and cultural heritage

Storing, Organizing, and Sharing Digital Assets

• Cloud storage services and digital asset management systems offer secure and scalable solutions for storing, organizing, and sharing large volumes of digital files related to Indigenous art
• Ensure the safety and integrity of digital assets through redundant backups and access controls
• Allow for the efficient categorization, searching, and retrieval of digital files based on metadata and keywords
• Enable collaboration and sharing of digital assets among Indigenous communities, researchers, and cultural institutions

Indigenous-led Digital Cultural Heritage Management

• Collaborative online platforms (Mukurtu CMS) enable Indigenous communities to manage, share, and control access to their digital cultural heritage materials based on their own protocols and traditions
• Empower Indigenous communities to determine how their cultural knowledge and artifacts are represented and accessed digitally
• Allow for the integration of Indigenous languages, ontologies, and cultural protocols into digital asset management systems
• Foster the revitalization and intergenerational transmission of Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices through community-driven digital initiatives

Benefits and Challenges of Technology for Indigenous Heritage

Long-term Preservation and Access

• Digitization of Indigenous art collections ensures long-term preservation, protects against physical deterioration or loss, and facilitates wider access for research, education, and public engagement
• Creates high-quality digital surrogates that can be studied and appreciated even if the original artwork is lost or damaged
• Enables the sharing of Indigenous art and cultural heritage with communities and audiences who may not have physical access to collections
• Supports the development of digital repatriation initiatives that return digital copies of Indigenous cultural materials to their communities of origin

Documenting and Preserving Intangible Heritage

• Digital technologies allow for the documentation and preservation of intangible cultural heritage (oral histories, songs, ceremonies), which are essential to the transmission of Indigenous knowledge and identity
• Capture audio, video, and multimedia recordings of Indigenous cultural expressions that can be archived and shared with future generations
• Facilitate the transcription, translation, and annotation of Indigenous oral traditions and linguistic data
• Enable the creation of digital databases and repositories that organize and contextualize intangible cultural heritage materials

Indigenous Control and Representation

• Online platforms and digital tools enable Indigenous communities to maintain control over the representation, interpretation, and dissemination of their cultural heritage, countering historical power imbalances and misappropriation
• Allow Indigenous communities to present their art and cultural heritage on their own terms, using their own languages, narratives, and protocols
• Facilitate the development of Indigenous-led digital storytelling projects that challenge stereotypes and promote cultural pride and resilience
• Support the establishment of digital sovereignty and intellectual property rights for Indigenous communities over their cultural heritage

Technical and Resource Challenges

• Challenges include the need for ongoing technical support, training, and resources to sustain digital infrastructure and ensure the longevity and compatibility of digital formats
• Require significant investments in hardware, software, and personnel to develop and maintain digital archives and platforms
• Necessitate the development of digital literacy and technical skills among Indigenous communities to fully participate in and benefit from digital initiatives
• Raise concerns about the long-term accessibility and preservation of digital file formats as technologies evolve and become obsolete

Ethical and Legal Considerations

• Issues of intellectual property rights, cultural sensitivity, and data sovereignty arise when digitizing and sharing Indigenous cultural materials, requiring careful consideration and consultation with Indigenous communities
• Involve complex questions of ownership, control, and access to digital cultural heritage materials, particularly when they are held by non-Indigenous institutions
• Require the development of ethical protocols and agreements that respect Indigenous cultural values and knowledge systems
• Necessitate the establishment of legal frameworks that recognize and protect Indigenous rights to their cultural heritage in the digital realm

Online Platforms for Expanding Indigenous Art Reach

Online Art Galleries and Marketplaces

• Online art galleries (Indigenous Art Centre Hub) showcase diverse collections of contemporary Indigenous art from around the world, providing artists with global exposure and opportunities for sales and commissions
• Connect Indigenous artists with buyers, collectors, and galleries, supporting the ethical trade and authenticity of Indigenous art
• Enable Indigenous artists to reach new audiences and markets beyond their local communities
• Provide a platform for Indigenous artists to tell their stories, share their cultural perspectives, and build their professional networks

Virtual Exhibitions and Digital Storytelling

• Virtual exhibitions (National Museum of the American Indian's Native Knowledge 360°) offer immersive and interactive experiences that contextualize Indigenous art within its cultural, historical, and social contexts
• Allow for the creation of multimedia narratives that combine text, images, audio, and video to engage and educate audiences
• Provide opportunities for Indigenous communities to share their own stories and perspectives on their art and cultural heritage
• Enable the development of educational resources and curricula that promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation of Indigenous art

Social Media Engagement and Networking

• Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) enable Indigenous artists to directly engage with audiences, share their work, and build networks of support and collaboration
• Allow Indigenous artists to promote their work, events, and exhibitions to a global audience
• Facilitate the formation of online communities and networks of Indigenous artists, curators, and cultural practitioners
• Provide a space for Indigenous artists to share knowledge, resources, and opportunities with each other

Collaborative Digital Projects and Partnerships

• Digital storytelling projects (Indigital Storytelling Project) combine art, technology, and Indigenous narratives to create powerful multimedia experiences that educate and inspire audiences
• Involve collaborations between Indigenous communities, artists, and cultural institutions to develop innovative digital projects that showcase Indigenous art and knowledge
• Foster the exchange of skills, knowledge, and resources between Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners in the digital realm
• Promote the development of ethical and equitable partnerships that prioritize Indigenous control and ownership over their cultural heritage

Indigenous Control in Digital Representation

Digital Repatriation and Self-Determination

• Indigenous communities have the inherent right to control the digital representation, interpretation, and dissemination of their cultural heritage, including art, as an expression of their self-determination and sovereignty
• Digital repatriation initiatives (Digital Return project) aim to return digital copies of Indigenous cultural materials held in archives and museums to their communities of origin, fostering cultural revitalization and intergenerational knowledge transfer
• Empower Indigenous communities to determine how their cultural heritage is digitized, preserved, and shared with others
• Challenge historical power imbalances and colonial legacies that have separated Indigenous communities from their cultural patrimony

Indigenous-led Digital Projects and Storytelling

• Collaborative digital projects (Sq'éwlets: A Stó:lō-Coast Salish Community in the Fraser River Valley website) demonstrate the value of Indigenous-led digital storytelling and knowledge sharing on their own terms
• Prioritize Indigenous perspectives, languages, and cultural protocols in the design and development of digital platforms and content
• Enable Indigenous communities to assert their cultural identity, resilience, and continuity in the digital realm
• Provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to engage with their cultural heritage and develop digital skills and literacy

Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance

• The development of Indigenous data sovereignty principles and protocols (CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance) ensures that Indigenous communities retain control over the collection, ownership, and use of their digital cultural heritage
• Assert Indigenous rights to govern the management, access, and use of their cultural data and intellectual property
• Ensure that digital initiatives involving Indigenous cultural heritage are guided by Indigenous values, ethics, and knowledge systems
• Promote the development of Indigenous-led data governance frameworks that protect against the misappropriation and misuse of Indigenous cultural heritage

Intellectual Property Rights and Protection

• Empowering Indigenous artists and communities to manage their intellectual property rights in the digital realm (World Intellectual Property Organization's Creative Heritage Project) protects against misappropriation and misuse of Indigenous art and knowledge
• Ensure that Indigenous artists and communities are recognized as the rightful owners and beneficiaries of their cultural expressions and traditional knowledge
• Develop legal and policy frameworks that support Indigenous control over the commercialization and licensing of their digital cultural heritage
• Foster collaborations between Indigenous communities, legal experts, and cultural institutions to develop best practices for protecting Indigenous intellectual property in the digital age