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Preserving audiovisual cultural technology

This project addresses key social issues relating to the sustainable preservation of knowledge and the future of collections. Based on a specific case study, innovative forms of participation, interaction, and communication are being developed for collections, museums, and memory institutions. At the same time, the project contributes to the long-term preservation of an exceptional collection of audiovisual systems and devices.  

The project is sponsored by the HISTORIAV association. Its board of directors includes representatives from academia, research, and the film industry, who contribute their expertise to the further development of the project.  

HISTORIAV is also a network partner in the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts project “Research with and on analog film equipment from private Swiss collections.” Other institutions and educational and research facilities have already expressed interest in collaborating.

Film

A new kind of memory

A digital research hub for audiovisual media

A central goal of the project is to develop a digital platform that presents historical and current audiovisual processes as formative cultural techniques – from the Laterna Magica to analog cameras, sound devices, and projectors to modern digital recording, editing, and playback processes.  

The platform is designed as a publicly accessible collection and is aimed equally at research and teaching at universities, educational institutions, and the interested public. At the same time, the physical collection will be transferred to a renowned memory institution to ensure its long-term preservation and accessibility.

Cultural Techniques

The Collection

The Cultural Techniques collection focuses on technology as a fundamental prerequisite for audiovisual and cinematic works. Unlike painting or literature, these works cannot be reproduced without technical means – and thus do not exist. Technology is an integral part of art here and, as a cultural technique, has lasting value.

The platform

A digital research hub

The platform is not intended to be a traditional object database, but rather a comprehensive knowledge platform. The digital research hub combines the metadata of thousands of audiovisual objects from nearly all areas of audiovisual communication with in-depth background knowledge, functional demonstrations, and accompanying oral history films.

The digital archive

The project is based on the systematic digitization of the collection and the recording and research of all related information and metadata. Over a period of three years, the project will not only ensure the long-term preservation of an exceptionally extensive media archaeology collection, but also create a unique digital research platform.

Technology films

Demonstration films are being produced on selected key technologies and devices, clearly illustrating the functionality and operating principles of the respective systems. These are supplemented by original data sheets, technical documentation, and publications from the manufacturers.

First-hand knowledge

Oral History

The transition from the analog to the digital world took place in several decisive stages of development. Some of the key witnesses and protagonists of these technological upheavals are still alive today. In oral history films, they pass on their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. 

We would like to thank our supporters:

Foundations:

We would also like to thank other foundations and supporters who have placed their trust in us and have chosen not to be named. 

Institutions and partners: 

Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art

University of Basel

Department of Media Studies

Members and donors

We are on our way 

The project is divided into several sub-areas. The current status of the individual tasks is as follows: 

0. Fundraising

Around 75% of the project budget has already been secured until the end of 2025. We are currently working on financing the remaining 25% for the implementation of the next project phases.

1. The digital platform

Intensive research and conceptual work is currently being carried out in collaboration with institutions and potential partners. In collaboration with the HSLU – Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, concrete application examples for the future platform are also being developed and tested. 

2. Digitization and preservation of the collection

More than 1,200 objects have already been captured in 360-degree photography. The current focus is on the photographic and documentary recording of large objects and complex systems by the end of the year. At the same time, particularly endangered subject areas such as audio-visual presentations, multivision, and selected collections (including Boeniger, Eidophor) are being secured and documented. Another focus is the securing, research, and digitization of the associated records and documents. In addition, a renowned European memory institution has agreed to take over the physical collection. 

3. Oral history films

So far, 15 protagonists have recorded their personal experiences and stories in initial interviews and recordings, with more planned.

4. Technology films

The reconstruction of a 9-projector multivision system from the VBZ dating from 1980 has been documented in the tram museum. Based on this, an initial technology film on the technology of multi-projector multivision is being produced. At the same time, we are researching other preserved multivision systems and historical examples from this field. 

Who we are

HISTORIAV is an interdisciplinary community of media professionals, university lecturers, film producers, and filmmakers. Together, we are committed to preserving knowledge about the cultural and technological foundations of audiovisual production and making it accessible for research, further education, and a broad audience. The association is open to institutions and individuals who share this goal. HISTORIAV is organized as a non-profit, tax-exempt association.

statutes (german) PDF

Founding members and board