On November 1, Data4UA project kicked off with the aim of enhancing data-driven cultural heritage management in Ukraine. This 18-month project, running from November 1, 2023, to April 30, 2025, brings together a dynamic consortium of partners, including the Institute of Literature, Folklore, and Art at the University of Latvia in the role of a coordinator (Latvia), Lviv Polytechnic National University (Ukraine), Space4CC (Greece/Norway), and the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia). The project is supported by the European Union's Erasmus+ program.
The primary objectives of Data4UA project are to assess the measures taken by higher education institutions (HEIs) and society in response to cultural heritage emergencies in Ukraine, enhance the knowledge and skills of higher education staff and students in safeguarding cultural heritage, and investigate the role of higher education institutions in promoting societal responses to cultural heritage emergencies.
Given the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Data4UA project is designed to support and strengthen cultural heritage data management, with a special emphasis on cultural heritage education and training systems. As war and armed conflicts continue to threaten cultural heritage on a global scale, digital technologies play a pivotal role in preserving and safeguarding these invaluable assets. UNESCO has underscored this fact in “Cutting Edge | Protecting and preserving cultural diversity in the digital era.” Data4UA focuses on European higher education staff and students, providing them with opportunities to expand their competencies, particularly in the realm of citizen-generated digital cultural heritage data and digital management training. The project includes a series of interactive learning activities built on a prototype model for enriching cultural heritage data ecosystems with contributions from citizens.
Data4UA endeavors to enhance the teaching and learning processes by integrating new technologies into the preservation and protection of cultural heritage. By employing innovative and creative collaborations in its educational activities, Data4UA emphasizes the creation and dissemination of comprehensive and well-structured materials and services, including online modules, webinars, landscape analyses, and citizen data collection activities. The project aims to serve as a case study for promoting innovation in cultural heritage education, reaching not only higher education but also a broader audience, thereby delivering significant added value across various levels, including higher education, cultural studies, and civil society.
Partner statements
ILFA: The importance of this project cannot be overstated. Given the tumultuous times that Ukraine faces, the focus on cultural heritage education and training is not just a matter of interest but a moral imperative. We partner with renowned and innovation-driven startup institutions to leverage digital technology to empower higher education staff and students, strengthening their role in safeguarding endangered cultural values. The knowledge and skills gained from this endeavor will not only empower higher education institutions but will also benefit the broader society. The cultural heritage of Ukraine deserves nothing less, and we are honored to play our part in its preservation and protection.
LPNU: The Department of History, Museum Studies and Cultural Heritage of Lviv Polytechnic National University is honoured and responsible for being involved in the project. The department has been training specialists in the field of museum studies and cultural heritage for over ten years. Improving their skills, including because of the complex challenges of today, is one of our most important tasks. At the same time, it is also extremely essential for us to involve students of similar specialities from other Ukrainian universities, as well as all specialists in the field of cultural heritage interested in enhancing their professional experience. We work for a common goal and, with the support of the international community, we will do even more to preserve and protect cultural heritage in Ukraine.
Space4CC: In the digital age, space data, as well as data generated by citizens, offer a rich and unique source of information that cultural heritage managers can benefit from. Especially in conflict zones, space and citizen-generated data are crucial to document and monitor the situation on the ground, especially when it comes to humanitarian support or cultural heritage protection. In this context, Space4CC is delighted to be part of the Erasmus+ Data4UA project to provide training and open access resources to Data4UA partner institutions and their people on data management and the value of space data. As a start-up, Space4CC is founded on creative and the willingness of its team members to provide holistic upskilling to university staff and students of cultural heritage studies. Space4CC also advocates for closer academia-society-business collaboration for effective cultural heritage management, especially in times of crises! We are looking forward to start working on the project and make a meaningful impact to the safeguarding of Ukrainian cultural heritage!
10 November 2023