La Laguna’s Groundbreaking Conference Merges Cultural Heritage with Cutting-Edge Technology

On November 26th and 27th, the picturesque city of La Laguna will host a pioneering conference that delves into the dynamic relationship between cultural heritage and technology. This event aims to explore innovative ways to preserve and promote the rich cultural legacy of La Laguna, a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Forging Partnerships for Heritage Conservation

La Laguna is taking a significant step forward by collaborating with the ACTS Lab, a part of the Futura Cultura Lab, to investigate how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies can play a vital role in the conservation and dissemination of its historical treasures. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy designed to integrate modern technology into the preservation and interpretation of historical sites, ensuring that the past is not only remembered but also actively engaged with in the present.

The forum, aptly titled “Humachine Future: Heritage and Culture in the Digital Age of Expanded Realities, Infoarchitecture, and the Metaverse,” will unfold at the historic former convent of Santo Domingo. This venue, steeped in history, serves as a fitting backdrop for discussions that aim to redefine how cultural heritage is managed and experienced. The event marks a significant milestone in La Laguna’s innovative approach to heritage management, positioning the city as a leader in cultural preservation within the Canary Islands.

A Visionary Approach to Cultural Heritage

Adolfo Cordobés, the Cultural Heritage Councillor, articulated a forward-thinking vision for the city, emphasizing that La Laguna’s approach to heritage is not about isolating the past but rather about embracing the future. He noted that this conference is a crucial component of a new heritage innovation strategy developed after 25 years of UNESCO recognition. The overarching goal is to harness artificial intelligence and digital technologies to bolster conservation efforts and enhance public engagement with La Laguna’s cultural assets.

In support of this vision, Adrián del Castillo, the Cultural Councillor, highlighted La Laguna’s historical role as a bridge between tradition and modernity. He views this event as a pivotal step toward placing the city on the global map of cultural innovation. Del Castillo underscored how technologies such as the metaverse and augmented reality can serve as transformative mediums for expressing and experiencing cultural identity, thereby enriching the community’s connection to its heritage.

Engaging Experts and Diverse Perspectives

The conference will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including researchers, cultural professionals, and artists who specialize in technological innovation. These experts will engage in thought-provoking discussions surrounding biodigital humanism, the metaverse, infoarchitecture, and sustainability in cultural practices. The aim is to connect cultural heritage with the technological challenges of the 21st century, particularly in light of the ongoing climate crisis, which poses significant threats to cultural sites worldwide.

Among the notable participants are experts in artificial intelligence for heritage management and pioneers in utilizing expanded realities for cultural outreach. Esteemed speakers such as Luis Alcalá Martínez, Amanda Masha Caminals, Emilio López-Galiacho Carrilero, Isabel Sánchez Berriel, and Juan Zafra will contribute their insights, enriching the dialogue surrounding the future of cultural heritage.

According to Alejandro Sacristán, the director of ACTS Lab and curator of the initiative, the conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue among experts, institutions, and the public. He believes that La Laguna, as a World Heritage site, is an ideal location to experiment with these technologies, showcasing their potential as mediators of cultural heritage. This unique setting allows for a rich exchange of ideas and practices that can influence how cultural heritage is understood and preserved.

The international stature of the speakers will provide La Laguna with a unique platform to engage in global discussions about the future of heritage and technology. The city is positioning itself as a living laboratory for cultural innovation, ready to collaborate with global institutions and experts while leading the way in the application of artificial intelligence and expanded realities in heritage contexts.

Goyo Ucle, co-director of Futura Cultura Lab and ACTS Lab, emphasized that the initiative aims to demonstrate how artificial intelligence and immersive technologies can enhance education, participation, and creativity. This positions La Laguna as a reference point for how a World Heritage city can spearhead the digital transformation of culture, paving the way for future generations to engage with their heritage in innovative ways.

Key points

• La Laguna will host a conference on cultural heritage and technology on November 26th and 27th.
• The event is organized in collaboration with the ACTS Lab and Futura Cultura Lab.
• The conference aims to explore the role of artificial intelligence in cultural preservation.
• Speakers will include experts in artificial intelligence and cultural innovation.
• The event will take place at the former convent of Santo Domingo.
• La Laguna is the only UNESCO World Heritage city in the Canary Islands.
• The initiative seeks to integrate modern technology into heritage management.