Arctic World Archive: Preserving Cultural Treasures for Future Generations
Digital Preservation in the Arctic
Norway’s National Museum has taken a groundbreaking step to safeguard its cultural heritage by placing a digital copy of Edvard Munch’s iconic masterpiece, “The Scream,” in the Arctic World Archive (AWA). This “futureproof” archive, located deep within a coal mine on the remote island of Spitsbergen, is designed to preserve digital art and artifacts from around the world for more than a millennium.
The AWA was created in 2017 by Piql, a technology company dedicated to preserving digital information. The archive’s unique design and location make it an ideal repository for cultural treasures. The dry, cold, and low-oxygen air in the mine helps preserve the plastic film rolls on which the digital images are stored, while the remote location protects them from cyber attacks and natural disasters.
Digitized Treasures from Around the World
In addition to “The Scream,” the AWA houses digital replicas of over 400,000 objects from more than 15 countries. These include works of art, architecture, artifacts, and even a ball dress that belonged to Queen Maud of Norway.
Among the participating organizations are the National Archives of Mexico, the Vatican Library, the European Space Agency, and the Museum of the Person in Brazil. The AWA also stores records from corporations, recognizing the importance of preserving not only cultural heritage but also historical and business data.
Futureproofing the Archive
The designers of the AWA took into account potential threats to the archive, including wars, natural disasters, and technological changes. The “futureproof and technology independent” archiving technique is designed to withstand strong electromagnetic energy, ensuring that the digital images remain readable even as technologies evolve.
The archive is located deep underground, below layers of permafrost but far above sea level, providing protection from extreme weather events and rising sea levels. The Svalbard archipelago is also difficult to access and sparsely populated, further reducing the risk of damage or destruction.
A Legacy for the Future
By storing a digital copy of its entire collection in the AWA, the National Museum of Norway is ensuring that its cultural treasures will be safeguarded for generations to come. The archive serves as a testament to the importance of preserving our shared heritage and ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate the works of art and artifacts that define our past.
A Model for Cultural Preservation
The AWA is not the only project dedicated to preserving cultural heritage in the Arctic. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located nearby, stores samples of the world’s diverse crops, providing a backup in case of global emergencies. Both archives are located in former mining sites deep underground, demonstrating the potential of these remote and inhospitable environments for long-term preservation.
The AWA and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault stand as symbols of our commitment to safeguarding our cultural and natural heritage for future generations. By preserving these precious resources, we ensure that our legacy will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of those who come after us.