Unprecedented opportunities brought by technologies, such as Data, AI, 3D and XR brings cultural heritage sites back to life. Virtual museums offer visitors the possibility to see art works in context and experience objects or sites inaccessible to the public. The transformation of the sector is resulting in easier online access to cultural material for everybody.
The European Commission Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content & Technology has conducted extensive policy coordination and funding actions to supplement Member States’ cultural policy. These actions cover the areas of digitisation, online access to cultural material and digital preservation.
The role of the European Commission
The European Commission fuels the policy debate and brings stakeholders together to improve the framework conditions for digitisation and digital preservation. It does so through its Recommendation on a common European data space for cultural heritage.
The European Commission's Expert Group on a common European Data Space for Cultural Heritage (CEDCHE) monitors progress towards the implementation of the Commission's Recommendation. The CEDCHE reviews and discusses policies for digital cultural heritage and the upcoming initiative for a common European data space. It also facilitates the exchange of information and good practices working closely with cultural institutions.
Funding instruments
Please refer to European Commission’s webpage Funding and Tenders Portal for complete information on open calls digital cultural heritage and tourism.
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe calls for Cultural Heritage (the list is not exhaustive)
Digital Europe Programme
Preparatory actions for Data Spaces (DIGITAL-2021-PREPACTS-DS-01)
Previous actions
Actions under Horizon 2020 Societal Challenges 6 programmes for 2014-2020 have supported the following topics with an EU funding of around €70 million:
DT-TRANSFORMATIONS-24-2020 - European Museum Collaboration and Innovation Space
Curation of digital assets and advanced digitisation (2018)
European cultural heritage, access and analysis for a richer interpretation of the past (2017)
Cost-effective technologies for advanced 3D modelling to enhance the understanding of cultural heritage and Innovation Ecosystems of Digital Cultural Assets, Virtual Museums (.pdf) (2014-2016)
Latest News
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Big Picture
The Commission is defending European media and digital culture with policies that empower citizens and encourage media pluralism.
Dig deeper
The Cultural and Creative Sectors Guarantee Facility helps businesses in the cultural and creative sectors to scale up and become more competitive.
The Europeana platform is Europe’s digital cultural collection for responsible, accessible, sustainable and innovative tourism.
The Digital Cultural Heritage and Europeana Expert Group is a forum for cooperation in digitisation, and online cultural material and preservation.
See Also
Virtual worlds, also referred to as metaverses, will provide opportunities as well as challenges. The Commission will ensure they reflect EU values and fundamental rights and foster innovation for businesses.
These days we can watch our favourite programmes not just on TV, but also online. These shows are subject to the rules of the single market.
The Commission is promoting a coherent approach on media policies, covering legislation on media services and the preservation of European cultural heritage.
The European Commission is adapting EU copyright rules to new consumer behaviours in a Europe which values its cultural diversity.
The European Union upholds media freedom and pluralism as pillars of modern democracy and enablers of free and open debate.