The digitisation and unification of selected cultural artefacts significant to the Maitland community is set to be centralised into a single online space as part of Phase One of Maitland City Council's Digital Collections: Opened Minds project.
The digitisation and unification of selected cultural artefacts significant to the Maitland community is set to be centralised into a single online space as part of Phase One of Maitland City Council's Digital Collections: Opened Minds project. It comes following the success in securing $487,000 in grant funding from Create NSW's Regional Cultural Fund.
This online digital hub will showcase Maitland's artistic, cultural and historical collections, enabling public access to rich community narratives held initially by custodians of historical records such as Maitland Libraries, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland Gaol, Morpeth Museum and the Maitland Hospital.
Phase One of the project includes the establishment of a digitisation studio at Maitland Regional Art Gallery, the purchase of a data management system to enable collection management and the hiring of new staff with digital management, design, and collection interpretation skills to allow for long term continuation of the project.
Council's Group Manager Culture, Community and Recreation Judy Jaeger says, 'The progression of Council's Digital Collections: Opened Minds project will see increased access to almost 20,000 Maitland artefacts and collection items.
'Once the digital hub is established, researchers, students, educators and general visitors will now be able to access private and community owned collections and digital exhibits without being restricted by limited opening hours. We're excited to see new narratives and exhibitions recognised in the future that better reflect the diverse people and experiences in the local community.'
Phase One will start immediately following receipt of the grant funds, with completion of Phase One expected by June 2022.
