Poland’s Pekao Bank, the country’s second largest lender, is making headlines for taking a bold approach to art conservation. Using a form of blockchain technology, it has preserved some of the most important works of art in the sub-Arctic region, and is minimally exposed to the elements.
This is one of the latest developments from a growing trend: slowly but surely, many institutions are realizing that protecting cultural heritage from environmental damage and destruction is long overdue. Therefore, Pekao Bank has created innovative digital presentations that focus on long-term resilience to the natural disasters of climate change.
Preservation of art using Blockchain
Blockchain technology is set to revolutionize the concept of being creative and maintaining creativity. Contrary to physical measures, the artifact will remain at the mercy of decay and damage, which has plagued museums and collectors in the past. But with NFTs and digital means of representation, works of art can be tokenized and securely placed on blockchain networks. This not only preserves the piece but also goes out to create a transparent and unalterable record of its ownership and provenance.
Under the modern 3D scanning technology, Bank Pekao digitized well-known Polish works of art including those of Jan Matejko and Stanisław Wyspiański for this project. It is then stored on the environmentally friendly Aleph Zero blockchain as unfettered tokens, these digital copies guaranteeing their long-term survival.
The Arctic Archive
The Arctic World Archive, in Svalbard, Norway, a facility designed to preserve critical data from disasters such as cyberattacks and natural disasters, will also feature token artwork. Archiv3 reports that AWA is best known for keeping scientific and cultural records from organizations such as UNESCO and the Vatican.
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The digital nature of blockchain technology is forcing a rethinking of old saving practices. Over time, institutions must integrate the future sustainability of platforms and their potential longevity, as technology improves. This is not only to preserve the physical artefacts themselves but also the ecosystem around digital art.
Challenges and Solutions in Digital Art Conservation
While blockchain clearly helps preserve creativity, there are challenges to be solved. Many works of art, for example, are delicate or fragile, making damage or loss more likely. Conventional methods such as climate-controlled environments have limited power. Artists can create secure digital representations that preserve their value and enable common access by tokenizing these pieces as NFTs.
Image: Bankrate
Image: BankrateLegal and ethical issues also arise. Museums that acquire NFTs are asking for copyright and value issues. Institutions navigating this new environment must have clear regulations that address these difficulties to ensure proper practices for collecting and presenting blockchain art.
A New Era for Museums and Art Collectors
The integration of blockchain technology in art conservation is moving beyond the tide; it represents a paradigm shift in how one appreciates and understands the value and longevity of art. Art museums such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) are leading efforts to collect digital art from a variety of creators, but especially, by women artists. Such a move not only improves the diversity of the collection but also contributes to setting an example for future best practices in digital art conservation.
With this technology, many institutions are joining the bandwagon. Discussions about what art really is will continue to evolve. By accepting the common expression of the latest art and technology, we see the lines of appreciation and interaction with the fading of cultural heritage. Initiatives such as the Arctic vault by Pekao Bank ensure that our artistic heritage remains safe in an ever-changing world.
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