Linked open data for history of technical theatre and design

This PWO project, “Linked open data for the history of stage technology and scenography,” addresses the urgent risk to stage technology and scenography heritage. This valuable, often international heritage is fragmented, invisible, and difficult to find, resulting in the loss of crucial knowledge and expertise. However, this heritage is essential for innovation, research, education, and understanding the history of the performing arts.

The project aims to sustainably preserve, document, and present this tangible and intangible heritage through linked open data principles. Core objectives are to create suitable open linked data structures and models, and to explore effective documentation methods, including AI and 3D scanning. A transdisciplinary approach will lead to a user-friendly platform for broad access.

The intended impact is to raise awareness of the importance of this heritage among policymakers, professionals, and heritage communities. It aims to stimulate innovation by supporting access to historical techniques, education, and research, and to strengthen the international community, with a specific focus on the rich, multilingual Brussels context. The output includes a linked open database/repository, supplemented with manuals and tools, accessible to a wide audience, including students, professionals, researchers, and the heritage and data community.