„Bliżej Teatru”: an innovative model of scenic heritage digitization

„Bliżej Teatru”: an innovative model of scenic heritage digitization

The Polish Theatre in Wrocław, PCSS, and the University of Wrocław have begun working together to create a model system for digitizing theatre art archives. The project aims not only to secure unique collections documenting more than 600 productions created since 1945, but also to develop an innovative digital service for cultural institutions across Poland.

The art archive of the Polish Theatre in Wrocław is a key part of the cultural heritage of the region and the country, and a valuable source of knowledge for theatre scholars, cultural studies researchers, and students. At present, these resources are available only in analog form, which significantly limits their use, and frequent contact with paper originals leads to their gradual deterioration. The planned work includes full digitization of the collections, which will ensure their long-term preservation and broad access for a wide audience.

Modern PCSS technology ecosystem

A key element of the project is the development of an implementation model that can also be used by other institutional theatres and independent theatre groups. Based on PCSS computing infrastructure and databases, a dedicated toolset will be created. This service will enable theatres to:

  • create digital archives independently using proven descriptive standards,
  • manage the digitization process efficiently,
  • present data and build multi-layered historical narratives both on their own websites and on the new “Digital Theatre Archive” platform.

Pilot implementation

The digitization of the Polish Theatre in Wrocław’s resources has been designed as an innovative pilot implementation. Developing a comprehensive documentation standard for a specific field of artistic creation is unprecedented not only in Poland, but also internationally. The project will help define new directions in the digital documentation of ephemeral art such as theatre.

Project partners

Leader: Polish Theatre in Wrocław.

Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS – Poznańskie Centrum Superkomputerowo-Sieciowe.

University of Wrocław (Laboratory of Reprography and Digitization and the Digitization and Digital Services Department of the University of Wrocław Library).