The research project, Place-based narratives, investigates how communities can more meaningfully connect with local heritage through the sharing of creative digital experiences that interweave multiple individual narrative interpretations of cultural objects and locations.
In recent years, the development of technologies to support communities engaging with their cultural environment has focused on easing the task of digitising, identifying, preserving and connecting people with cultural assets (e.g. museum objects, heritage building). However, people are increasingly recording and sharing their personal interactions with culture and their local heritage. The Place-based narratives project will therefore seek to understand how digital technologies can bring creative interactions among the community, enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of objects and sites that go beyond traditional notions of heritage education.
The project will investigate requirements for novel digital platforms, examining how location-aware mobile technologies and augmented reality platforms can allow community members to contribute engaging stories relating to objects and places in the city. This will capitalise particularly on narrative-based approaches, through which stories can illuminate different viewpoints.
Ultimately, the project will enable local people to participate in the preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage and facilitate the access to the multiple meanings of artefacts.
Visit the Place-based narratives blog.