14-15 January 2025
The AURORA Project recently convened its third-year meeting, marking a significant milestone in the collaborative effort to safeguard cultural heritage.
The event commenced with an inaugural address by a representative from the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro (ICR), who underscored the importance of collaboration in preserving cultural heritage.
Domenico Romano of Avvale outlined the project’s overarching goals, emphasizing the development of user-friendly, cost-effective solutions applicable across various scales.
A key takeaway from the meeting was the recognition that the loss of cultural heritage equates to a loss of cultural identity, reinforcing the project’s mission to prevent such losses.
Discussions highlighted several advancements:
- Blockchain Technology: Originally utilized in the NFT market, blockchain’s potential in combating the illicit trafficking of artworks was explored.
- Artwork Tracking: Modern, non-invasive methods now allow for precise tracking of artworks, with localization accuracy within 30 centimeters.
- Authentication Methods: Innovative approaches, including barcodes, QR codes, and transparent chemical markers and inks, offer alternatives to traditional numbering systems for verifying artwork authenticity.
- As the project approaches its final year, participants acknowledged the substantial progress made and the necessity to intensify efforts to consolidate results.
Feedback from European Commission Public Officers has been instrumental, guiding the project toward success through technological innovations involving carbon dots and chemical markers.
The meeting also addressed the need for tailored coatings for different materials to ensure the effectiveness of anti-counterfeiting strategies.
Partners conducted extensive tests involving various agents, inks, and aging processes on materials such as paper, sandstone, marble, ceramic, wood, historic paper, and limestone. These tests are crucial for understanding material reactions and refining preservation techniques.
A live demonstration of AURORA’s digital tool showcased its capabilities in combating illicit trafficking and ensuring artwork authenticity. Developed by Avvale, this tool leverages metadata and blockchain technology to establish a singular, authentic identity for each artwork, aiding in the fight against counterfeiting.
The University College Cork presented advancements in embedded wireless tracking and communications, essential for ensuring the traceability of artworks. Collaborations with the Tyndall National Institute focused on the Internet of Things (IoT) Cloud platform, integral to the project’s tracking integration efforts.
Impact analyses and life cycle assessments, led by beWarrant S.L. – Tinexta Group and Antonio Mirabile, provided insights into the project’s technological developments compared to existing solutions. Additionally, dissemination strategies were evaluated to enhance the project’s presence on social media and at international conferences.
The meeting reinforced the AURORA Project’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage through innovation, collaboration, and the development of cutting-edge technologies.
