Ricerc@Sapienza

Italy has the largest material and immaterial cultural heritage in the world that remains partially hidden in repositories for different reasons, as cataloguing, accessibility, logistic difficulties or communication. These issues are limiting the cultural and economic potential of the artistic heritage.
Meanwhile, the contemporary technological scenario is characterised by the progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI), in particular Machine Learning (ML) and Big Data. These can enable new tools for working with cultural heritage, from visual analysis to understanding behaviours, from historic research to narrative production.

The project aims at the development of an Expert System to support the curatorial, managing and exhibition work, while exploring the potential use of ML for the improvement of user experience in exhibition spaces (museums and other venues), with a special attention on promoting artworks in museum repositories and the management of post Covid-19.
The project involves 6 academic disciplines (SSD) with an approach of Design Driven Innovation.
Beyond the design and technical competences, the involvement of art history, psychology and marketing will help to achieve an innovative and sustainable model for cultural heritage promotion.
ML will be used for three main purposes: (1) to better understand visitor behaviour and artwork perception in the museum space; (2) to improve the cataloguing of artworks based on visual and semantic characteristics; (3) to facilitate the curatorial and exhibition design activity, involving the stored artworks.

The project is carried out in collaboration with the Ministry MiBAC and Lazio Innova, along with the scope of the regional centre of excellence DTC, relevant for the regional application.
Moreover, experimentation involves three museums (Galleria Spada, Manzù, Boncompagni Ludovisi).
The project is a valuable learning opportunity for Design and other disciplines that still have a limited experience with ML.