Innovative Digital Infrastructures: The Issue of Sustainability

• Published in: Stedelijk studies 2020-06, Vol.1
• Main Authors: Dekker, Annet, Oomen, Johan, van Lente, Harro, Wijers, Gaby, Mul, Geert, Ras, Marcel, van Saaze, Vivian, Rasterhoff, Claartje
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2405-7177; 2405-7177
• DOI: 10.54533/StedStud.vol010.art02

In response to the issue’s theme, Imagining the Future of Digital Archives and Collections, a number of key players in the Dutch arena are invited to address a specific opportunity and challenge of digital infrastructures for archiving and exchange of cultural data: the issue of sustainability. While innovative digital infrastructures often receive project funding in the start-up phase, their technical, organizational, and financial sustainability are often challenging. What happens to these infrastructures when their funding period ends? What are the lasting impacts of such infrastructure projects? Does the project-based nature of these infrastructures undermine their attempts to create sustainable solutions within their fields? How can we safeguard and imagine sustainable projects in the future? The discussion is divided into three parts. Part one reflects on the concept of “imaginaries.” It explores how this concept might be made productive to assess the processes and outcomes of digitization projects of memory institutions in light of presumed promises of innovation and increased functionality. Part two discusses the topic of governance and political economies in such digital heritage projects. Part three explores what type of digitization projects are desirable or required in the future and reflects on the role of artists in imagining the future of digital archives and collections.