The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) celebrated India’s G20 Presidency and organised a day-long conference titled Intersections: Arts, Culture & Technology in collaboration with UNESCO, FICCI, Bangalore International Centre, Avid Learning, TeamWork and Art Links Learning with an eye on using digital technologies for the preservation of cultural heritage
By Varnikha Shekar
With interwoven relationship amidst all forms of culture, art and dynamics among humanity, The Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) in collaboration with UNESCO, FICCI, Bangalore International Centre, Avid Learning, TeamWork and Art Links Learning conducted a day-long conference titled Intersections: Arts, Culture & Technology organised as part of the Culture Working Group under India’s G20 Presidency at its Bengaluru premises where industry experts, policy makers and cultural aficionados gathered to brainstorm on how optimally to use the digital technologies for the propagation and preservation of cultural heritage.
Among the 4 priority areas of the cultural track, the bedrock of the conference was set upon Leveraging Digital Technologies for the Protection and Promotion of Culture. As such, highlights about technology being robust for the promotion of sustainability; shift from analog to digital in relation to collaboration with private sectors and research institutions; the indulgence of new media and its association to data and algorithms; socio-economic development via celebrations of domestic travel, entertainment and flavours; and the power of tech to communication and transformation were put forth.
Joining the dots towards the enhancement of economy with business and creative industry, art was claimed to be a wealth creator and a glorious area among mankind that holds the potentiality to empathy and encouragement of artists by Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts & Co-Chair, FICCI Creative Industries.
While the digital divide presents various challenges, art and culture seem to be playing a crucial role in addressing and mitigating at various levels of the society. Conceptions of democratising access to art and culture via online platforms, virtual galleries, digital exhibitions, and streaming services would help keep up the realm engaging with diverse art forms, performances, and cultural expressions regardless of their location or socioeconomic background.
Emphasizing the power and responsibility inclined towards art was the major step recommended for the empowerment of creative expression and participation in the society.
In note to the pandemic, a digital transformation in multiple aspects and various entities of the communities is considered to be a revolutionary step to the current progression. Movement to close poetic technology has led to an arbitrary transition from analog to digital and further from digital to digital with the conception of new media.
Comprehensive alternatives to teaching art forms like performing arts and music were visible with these tools. Nevertheless, the abstraction of AI tools in replacement of humanity was put in an ongoing debatable state as creativity among mankind is inseparable in comparison to data generated with existing algorithms.
Reflective considerations on interactives in art spaces like the Indian Music Experience, Bangalore, where the cognitive perception of younger generations, including toddlers, has a direct inter-connection with discernment to what it might be, was said to be observed while sharing knowledge. This element to openness in acquiring a certain thing has now become more feasible as translations are the core to the transfer of literature.
The inclusion and diversity that digital humanities have formed is impeccable with reports having both signs of significant progression and space to concerns. With everyone being content creators and producers through social media, the value that is wide spread with precise light towards promotion of culture and art is somehow brought out successfully.
As a whole, a significant impact of technology on art and culture is the democratisation of artistic expression. This has led to a proliferation of creativity and a broader range of voices being represented in the artistic landscape. Artists can experiment with new mediums, collaborate across borders, and reach global audiences through online platforms and social media. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive experiences have opened up new dimensions of storytelling and interactive art. Museums and galleries have embraced digital technologies to enhance exhibitions, offering visitors a more immersive and personalized experience. Online streaming platforms have made music, films, and literature more accessible than ever before, allowing for greater diversity in content and expanding global cultural exchange. At different levels when technology is seen to be evolving, so too will its impact on the creative industries. Artists and cultural institutions will need to adapt and embrace new technologies to stay relevant and engage with audiences in meaningful ways.
(A BA Journalism Hons student with Christ University, Bangalore, the writer is surely a connoisseur in making)
