The DIGIMUSE ENTER project is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its Co-Creation Labs, a pivotal component of Work Package 2 (WP2). These labs brought together cultural professionals from the Fondazione Genti d’Abruzzo and other institutions, both in-person and online, to collaboratively identify key challenges and innovative solutions for enhancing inclusion, accessibility, and digital transformation in the cultural heritage sector. The insights gathered will directly inform the development of comprehensive training programs aimed at empowering cultural professionals across Europe.
The Co-Creation Labs, held on February 20, 2025, at the Fondazione Genti d’Abruzzo in Pescara, and virtually on July 23, 2025, engaged a diverse group of participants, including museum curators, archivists, educators, art historians, and librarians. Through dynamic discussions and shared experiences, the labs unearthed crucial areas for growth and improvement within the cultural landscape.
Key Insights from the Co-Creation Labs:
1. Enhancing Inclusion and Accessibility:
Participants highlighted the need for greater visibility and promotion of museums, along with the development of differentiated audio guides tailored to various target groups, including children, history enthusiasts, and individuals with cognitive or language difficulties. The importance of digital tools like interactive maps and augmented reality for immersive experiences was also emphasized.
The Fondazione Genti d’Abruzzo and the Basilio Cascella Civic Museum showcased existing inclusive practices, such as physical accessibility measures (ramps, lowered counters), visual aids (easy-to-read panels, Braille descriptions, tactile maps), hearing accessibility (sign language interpreters for introductory videos), and digital tools (accessible websites, online archives).
2. Bridging Digital Gaps and Fostering Innovation:
While cultural professionals currently use basic digital tools, there is a strong interest in adopting more advanced solutions. Participants expressed a desire to enhance skills in areas such as advanced Excel usage, social media management, graphic design, and website creation. The labs identified a “digital gap” stemming from predominantly humanistic education, suggesting that interdisciplinary approaches like Digital Humanities are crucial for bridging this divide. The need for comprehensive training courses and dedicated funding to support digitalization efforts was a recurring theme.
Proposed digital enhancements include implementing corporate cloud systems for file sharing, integrating QR codes for museum activities, and optimizing online purchasing systems.
3. Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Despite limited current use of AI, participants demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and integrate AI tools like ChatGPT into their workflows. Discussions revolved around leveraging AI for integrated cultural data management (catalogues, metadata, events, visitor info) and the implementation of smart chatbots for real-time assistance, both on-site and online. The desire to learn prompt crafting for AI applications was also noted.
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 and library daily life, aiming to increase engagement on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn through in-depth cultural content and gamification.
Challenges in securing adequate resources and funding were discussed, with an emphasis on reducing reliance on external sources and optimizing operational costs. There was a clear interest in understanding EU funding opportunities.
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 cultural institutions. The project looks forward to equipping 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
