ABOUT
TECHNAI–TECHnology for Non-collecting Art Institutions is a research project that aims to examine how the digital transformation is impacting non-collecting art institutions, and how technology can be used to augment, enhance and scale their distinct mediation and community practices in a sustainable way
PROJECT
Vision & Aims
Non-collecting Art Institutions [NAIs] (e.g., kunsthallen, artist-run-centres, regional galleries, biennials) make up a large and vital part of the art world. Unlike collecting institutions whose mission is driven by object stewardship, NAIs generally aim to support artistic experimentation and serve as cultural and civic hubs for local communities. This has led them to develop a wealth of alternative intermediary and participatory models that remain untapped in the digital domain. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, NAIs have come under increasing pressure to ramp up their digital capacities; but, what this entails remains unclear. Most existing digital cultural applications have been designed for collecting institutions: either to manage and promote digitized collections and heritage sites, or support the creation, display and ownership of born-digital art. Neither of these strategies is tailored to NAIs, which have a different mission and often work with smaller budgets and staff. In response, TECHNAI’s main goal is to research and develop new digital models tailored to the needs, priorities and limitations of NAIs.
