Mr Jambon emphasised the importance of digitisation and innovation to the cultural heritage sector, arguing that in regard to 3D technologies ‘the potential is limitless’ - a statement underlined by the event!
Ministers share their national assets
We were honoured that the high-level event brought together 10 EU Ministers of Culture and other high-level dignitaries, as well as policymakers at European and national levels, experts and innovators.
Bulgarian Minister of Culture Nayden Todorov, Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Croatian Minister of Culture Nina Obuljen-Koržinek, Cypriot Deputy Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou, Latvian Minister of Culture Agnese Logina and Lithuania Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys shared moving and inspirational words about the objects which their countries had submitted. They spoke warmly of the efforts of the Twin it! campaign and the collaboration it facilitated.
In addition, the event was attended by the Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, Spanish Minister of Culture Ernest Urtasun and Luxembourgish Minister for Culture Eric Thill.
Launching the Twin it! pan-European collection
The collection of 3D models was unveiled by Rehana Schwinninger-Ladak, Head of the unit Interactive Technologies, Digital for Culture and Education at DG CNECT of the European Commission, and Harry Verwayen, General Director of the Europeana Foundation. In a virtual 3D museum tour, they explored the collection, which ranges from scientific and architectural heritage, to portable objects, statues and rock reliefs, and samples of classical architecture, fortresses and religious buildings.
The collection is available for all to explore online on Europeana.eu.
The Twin it! Call to action
Following the opening, the event moved to a discussion Forum which aimed to celebrate the achievements of the campaign and highlight learning points and development opportunities.
The Forum opened with Valentine Charles, Data Services Director, Europeana Foundation, presenting the Twin it! Call to action. The Call sets out seven key priorities to advance the European Commission Recommendation of 2021, which invites EU Member States to digitise in 3D all monuments and sites deemed at risk, and half of the most physically visited by 2030. It draws inspiration from the collective expertise of Twin it! partners, as well as the members of the Expert Group on a common European Data Space for Cultural Heritage (CEDCHE) and input from relevant projects taking place across the data space.
The finalised call reflects the discussions that followed its launch at the Forum, which considered national digital strategies, the role of aggregators, best practices and prioritisation in 3D digitisation. Experts and policy makers, including Lucia Bistarova, Anthony Cassar, Marjan Debaene, Julia Noordegraaf, Matevz Straus, Marilena Tsakoumak, Yvo Volman and Karol Zgódka shared their insights, expertise and opinions at the Forum.
