Asean Museum Forum 2024

The 2015 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections, their Diversity, and their Role in Society provides principles and policy guidelines and reaffirms the importance of the protection and promotion of museums and collections. The Recommendation is a blueprint for developing and implementing an innovative and open vision of museums in the twenty-first century and provides museum professionals and policy-makers with the tools to unlock the full potential of museums as spaces for cultural transmission, intercultural dialogue, learning, discussion, and training.

The presentation will discuss the challenges and opportunities of digital technology in the context of museums during times of crisis. The 2015 UNESCO Recommendation recognises that digital tools can provide opportunities for museums in terms of the preservation of heritage and to share and disseminate knowledge, whilst noting that museums must be supported to access these technologies to improve their primary functions. UNESCO undertook two global surveys in 2020 and 2021 on the state of museums during the global health crisis. The report discusses the important role of digital technology in the context of the health crisis and lockdown measures, and whilst acknowledges how some museums were able to embrace the use of digital tools, the report noted that the digital divide between regions where collections have not yet been digitized and online education almost impossible, was a major obstacle to fulfilling the educational function in the context of museum closures.

Furthermore, the presentation will feature two case studies that aim to demonstrate how UNESCO is engaging with digital technology through museum programming to reach and engage with new audiences. The first case study will discuss a project called Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects. The project aims at designing the first virtual immersive reality museum of stolen cultural objects at a global scale. It will contribute to raising awareness among the general public about the consequences of illicit trafficking of cultural property and contribute to the recovery of stolen objects. The second case study will feature a project called, Shared Heritage: Museums in South-East Asia, which will feature a digital exhibition featuring collections from ten museums and five South-East Asian countries, to tell the story of the region’s deep cultural connections and ties, helping civil society, including youth, to understand each other better contributing to a South-East Asian society that cherishes cultural diversity and values intercultural dialogue.


			Presenter	Julia Kim-Davies
			E-Mail	j.davies@unesco.org
			Affiliation	UNESCO Bangkok Office
			Contributors	-
			Date/Time	12-09-2024 / 13:40-15:10 hrs.
			Room	LE CONCORDE BALLROOM

Presentation Title	Opportunities and Challenges of Digital Technology for Museums in Challenging Times.
Abstract	The 2015 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Protection and Promotion of Museums and Collections, their Diversity, and their Role in Society provides principles and policy guidelines and reaffirms the importance of the protection and promotion of museums and collections. The Recommendation is a blueprint for developing and implementing an innovative and open vision of museums in the twenty-first century and provides museum professionals and policy-makers with the tools to unlock the full potential of museums as spaces for cultural transmission, intercultural dialogue, learning, discussion, and training. The presentation will discuss the challenges and opportunities of digital technology in the context of museums during times of crisis. The 2015 UNESCO Recommendation recognises that digital tools can provide opportunities for museums in terms of the preservation of heritage and to share and disseminate knowledge, whilst noting that museums must be supported to access these technologies to improve their primary functions. UNESCO undertook two global surveys in 2020 and 2021 on the state of museums during the global health crisis. The report discusses the important role of digital technology in the context of the health crisis and lockdown measures, and whilst acknowledges how some museums were able to embrace the use of digital tools, the report noted that the digital divide between regions where collections have not yet been digitized and online education almost impossible, was a major obstacle to fulfilling the educational function in the context of museum closures. Furthermore, the presentation will feature two case studies that aim to demonstrate how UNESCO is engaging with digital technology through museum programming to reach and engage with new audiences. The first case study will discuss a project called Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects. The project aims at designing the first virtual immersive reality museum of stolen cultural objects at a global scale. It will contribute to raising awareness among the general public about the consequences of illicit trafficking of cultural property and contribute to the recovery of stolen objects. The second case study will feature a project called, Shared Heritage: Museums in South-East Asia, which will feature a digital exhibition featuring collections from ten museums and five South-East Asian countries, to tell the story of the region’s deep cultural connections and ties, helping civil society, including youth, to understand each other better contributing to a South-East Asian society that cherishes cultural diversity and values intercultural dialogue.
Biography	With an educational background in Architectural Heritage Management & Tourism, Julia Kim-Davies is a senior arts and cultural heritage professional with 15 years of experience in conceptualizing and leading heritage and cultural programmes in Asia-Pacific. With technical expertise in the arts, creative, and cultural heritage sector development for South-East Asia, her key responsibilities include strategic planning, managing regional programmes, and driving strategic partnerships for global cultural and educational organisations. Julia is working at UNESCO Bangkok in the Culture Unit on projects and programmes for World Heritage in the areas of emergency response and climate change, museum development and illicit trafficking of cultural property, safeguarding of underwater cultural heritage as well as initiatives related to culture and arts education.