Horizon 2020: European Museum Collaboration and Innovation Space

Specific Challenge

Museums and cultural organisations have been hit by the COVID-19 crisis, some of them significantly, by the loss in revenues. At the same time, the crisis has speeded up the digital transformation of the sector. Digital technologies become central to almost every aspect of the work of museums to meet the new realities. On the one hand, digital means can offer solutions in relation to museums’ functions, from the collection of artefacts to their conservation and study, and from the interpretation and exhibition of museum collections to marketing and to managing online and onsite visitors. On the other hand, there is a huge potential for innovation and experimentation using advanced technologies and for collaboration between the cultural, creative and technology sectors, in an inclusive way. Investing in digital technologies is essential for museums to innovate and to adapt to new circumstances.

Scope

The proposed action will provide the opportunity for museums to work with creative and technology partners, as well as with each other, through small, experimental projects, to apply digital technologies to a selected area of work or activities, in an innovative way. The project will support museums, for example and not exclusively, to develop solutions that enhance their digital presence, or innovate their day-to-day functions and processes, experiment with 3D digitization and AR/VR applications for visitors, tap in the creative potential of technology to offer transformative experiences for audiences, or test new business models for their post-crisis recovery.

Expected Impact

The action will promote collaboration and innovation in cultural organisations, primarily in the museum sector, at European level. It will offer the opportunity for museums, especially smaller and medium ones, to make the most of digital technologies and services to innovate their digital processes and digital presence, acquire and share know-how through collaboration, experimentation and shared practices, and potentially develop solutions contributing to their financial recovery. Participating museums are expected to develop skills and expertise through their dedicated project, while a shared collaboration and innovation space with good practices, examples of reference and common knowledge will foster capacity building and innovation in the museum sector in a wider and more inclusive way.

Deadline

12 January 2021 17:00 (Brussels time)