The inaugural day of the META-MUSEUM project’s kick-off meeting in Turin set the stage for an exciting and collaborative journey. The day began with a welcome address and a keynote speech by renowned Professor François Mairesse, who offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of museums and cultural heritage.
Following the keynote speech, project officer Hinano Spreafico provided an overview of European Commission procedures and expectations for the project. Valeria Minucciani, the project coordinator, and Michela Benente, the vice-coordinator, presented a detailed overview of the project’s goals, objectives, and timeline. The General Assembly was then established, followed by the formation of the Work Package Leader Board, External Experts Advisory Board, and Ethics Management Team. These governing bodies will oversee the project’s progress and ensure its alignment with its core objectives.
The afternoon session focused on the project’s work packages, with each partner presenting their specific roles and responsibilities. Discussions centred around the development of the Transformative Means Theory (TMt), the design of innovative museum experiences, such as virtual and augmented reality, and the ethical considerations associated with data collection and analysis. The project’s visual identity, website, and social media strategy were discussed, with a strong emphasis on public engagement and knowledge dissemination. The day concluded with a visit to the Museo Egizio, where participants explored the museum’s collections and discussed potential applications of the project’s research.
The second day explored the specifics of the project. Work package leaders engaged in detailed discussions about data collection methods, ethical considerations, and the development of the Transformative Means Theory (TMt). The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and shared resources was underlined. Participants also explored the potential of technology in enhancing museum experiences. Discussions focused on the use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to create immersive and interactive exhibitions. The ethical implications of using these technologies were also considered. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to the project’s goals and a shared vision for the future of museums.
Key project goals:
* Explore the cognitive and emotional responses to cultural heritage.
* Develop innovative strategies for engaging diverse audiences.
* Create new tools and resources for cultural institutions.
* Contribute to a more resilient and inclusive society.
Project Partners
Politecnico di Torino (coordinator), Italy
Department of Psychology, La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
VU University Amsterdam, Netherlands
Kentro Merimnas Oikogeneias Kai Paidiou KMOP, Greece
Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena Digital Humanities Juniorprofessur Universität Jena, Germany
Information Processing Centre – State Research Institute, Poland
Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania
European Museum Academy, Netherlands
Beia Consult International Srl, Romania
The Nordic Centre of Heritage Learning and Creativity, Sweden
Associated Partners:
Cultural Foundation of the National Bank of Greece (MIET), Greece
MuséoParc Alésia, France
Catalan Agency for Cultural Heritage, Spain
Turin Egyptian Museum Foundation, Italy
