Month: September 2025

[Steni, Cyprus] – [26/09/2025]

The DIGIMUSE ENTER project, in partnership with the Steni Community Council, is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its Co-Creation Labs. This pivotal component of Work Package 2 (WP2) brought together cultural professionals and community members from the Steni Museum of Rural Life and other local institutions. Through collaborative sessions, both in-person and online, participants identified key challenges and innovative solutions for enhancing inclusion, accessibility, and digital transformation within the cultural heritage sector, with a specific focus on the unique needs of the Steni community. The insights gathered will directly inform the development of comprehensive training programs aimed at empowering cultural professionals across Cyprus.

The Co-Creation Labs, held at the Steni Museum of Rural Life and virtually, engaged a diverse group of participants, including museum staff, community council members, local artisans, and educators. Through dynamic discussions and shared experiences, the labs unearthed crucial areas for growth and improvement within the local cultural landscape.

Key Insights from the Co-Creation Labs

1. Enhancing Inclusion and Accessibility

Participants highlighted the need for greater visibility and promotion of the Steni Museum of Rural Life. They also stressed the importance of developing differentiated audio guides tailored to various target groups, including schoolchildren, history enthusiasts, and individuals with cognitive or language difficulties. The use of digital tools like interactive maps and augmented reality was also emphasized for creating more immersive experiences that bring the rural history of Steni to life.

The Steni Museum already showcases existing inclusive practices, such as physical accessibility measures for visitors with disabilities (ramps, accessible restrooms) and tactile elements within certain exhibits. Participants proposed building on these foundations by creating more Braille descriptions and easy-to-read panels.

2. Bridging Digital Gaps and Fostering Innovation

While cultural professionals in the Steni community use basic digital tools, there’s a strong interest in adopting more advanced solutions. Participants expressed a desire to enhance skills in areas such as social media management, graphic design, and website creation to better promote the museum and its activities. The labs identified a “digital gap” stemming from a lack of formal training in digital technologies, suggesting that specialized courses are crucial for bridging this divide. The need for dedicated funding to support digitalization efforts was a recurring theme.

Proposed digital enhancements include integrating QR codes for exhibits, allowing visitors to instantly access more information, photos, or video content. Additionally, participants saw the value in optimizing the museum’s online presence to provide a more engaging and user-friendly experience for both locals and tourists.

3. Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Despite limited current use of AI, participants demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and integrate AI tools into their workflows. Discussions revolved around leveraging AI for integrated data management of the museum’s collections and the implementation of smart chatbots for real-time visitor assistance, both on-site and on the website. The desire to learn “prompt crafting” for AI applications was also noted, as a way to create engaging and informative content.

4. Strategic Digital Planning and Resource Allocation

A key takeaway was the importance of developing a modern and engaging social media strategy. Participants advocated for informal content that offers a “behind-the-scenes” look at museum life, from a new exhibit being set up to a volunteer restoring an artifact. The goal is to increase engagement on platforms like Instagram and Facebook through in-depth cultural content and gamification.

Challenges in securing adequate resources and funding were discussed, with an emphasis on understanding and applying for EU funding opportunities to support long-term digital initiatives.

The feedback from these Co-Creation Labs will be instrumental in shaping the forthcoming DIGIMUSE ENTER training program, ensuring it is highly relevant, practical, and addresses the real-world needs of the Steni community. The project looks forward to equipping local cultural professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital and inclusive world.

About the DIGIMUSE ENTER Project: The DIGIMUSE ENTER project aims to empower cultural professionals with digital skills and foster innovative approaches to heritage management, promoting inclusion and accessibility across European cultural institutions.

Contact:
Website: https://digimuse.eu
Facebook: facebook.com/Digimuse.project
Instagram: instagram.com/digimuse_enter
Email: digimuse@gentidabruzzo.it
Join the DIGIMUSE Network: https://digimuse.eu/network.php