[okfn-discuss] Wikipedia Loves Art at the V&A in February]

Tue Dec 23 11:27:46 UTC 2008

Hi
What a fantastic idea!

Does anybody know of any free 3D graphic software and training stuff for
anyone who wants to create 3D images of sculptures etc with these
images? I know it's not the same as the real thing but still a fantastic
opportunity to add additional value to the collection by creating
exploratory images in addition to creating a 2D image bank.

I know of this collection which was funded by the NSF (National Science
Foundation). Free training materials to support 'Digital Visual
Literacy'
http://dvl.mc.maricopa.edu

There are modules on Graphics Literacy and 3D Graphics.

Non

-----Original Message-----
From: okfn-discuss-bounces at lists.okfn.org
[mailto:okfn-discuss-bounces at lists.okfn.org] On Behalf Of Rob Myers
Sent: 22 December 2008 23:29
To: okfn-discuss at lists.okfn.org
Subject: Re: [okfn-discuss] Wikipedia Loves Art at the V&A in February]

jonni jemp wrote:
> One query I have is whether the creation of a new  and public
> generated image collection of objects in the V&A's collections help
> the V&A [and, by extension, other similar institutions] accepting the
> fuller consequences of entering into changing knowledge economy where
> all knowledge assets, ie. all its knowledge holdings could be free to
> access, use, re-use and redistribute? 'Free culture' involves a
> liberation of publicly owned information.

Reproductions of artefacts from museum collections are not the same as
the originals, so it's not entirely true that their "knowledge holdings"
can be free to circulate. There's no substitute for examining the actual
artifact, and this is good for institutions. But acess to
*reproductions* of artefacts can be very beneficial for study and
criticism, and free distribution of reproductions therefore increases
this benefit by making it more widespread.

The benefit of this to institutions is that it helps to build their
online footprint. As with authors and artists, the problem for
institutions is obscurity not piracy. So helping the V&A build its
online footprint will help drive people to actually visit the V&A. Where
they can be monetized directly through cafeterias and gift shops, or
indirectly through demonstrating demand for the institution to
government.

So, yes, hopefully this will prove to the V&A and other institutions
that enabling such access will benefit them.

- Rob.

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