Preservation Resource

The preservation resources presented here were originally developed in the context of the OASIS Archive Online Preservation Resource project, but have been updated, and will continue to be, as changes in best practices for the preservation of media evolve.


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Media art poses unique challenges for institutional and individual collectors. Reproducible and variable, electronic art forms can often seem to defy the very idea of collecting art. From single-channel video and media installations to computer-based art composed of digital source code, time-based artworks demand new vocabularies and practices for collectors.

preservation

Since video emerged as an artist's tool in recent decades, an explosion of media formats have served as the catalyst for a broad array of independent media and art. With each new artistic or technical development comes a preservation challenge. Exhibition formats and media rapidly become obsolete with evolving technologies and as the worlds of art and media change, the preservation and conservation worlds change with them.

documentation of media art

A central task necessary to be able – both today and tomorrow – to adequately present and to experience media art is the careful documentation of the specific requirements for presentation of media art works. Documentation is at the centre of any new media preservation strategy. Improving efforts to preserve new media artworks are insufficient without the support of structured documentation about both the artworks and their context. As in theatre, this documentation may often be the only remaining trace of the work.

 Video Art Preservation: Resource
An information resource for the preservation of video art, including: best practice and documentation guidelines and FAQs. read more »
 Computer-Based Art Preservation: Resource
An information resource for the preservation of computer-based art and digital media, including: best practice and documentation guidelines and FAQs. read more »
 Media Art Installation Preservation: Resource
An information resource for the preservation of media art installations, including: best practice and documentation guidelines and FAQs. read more »