Social curatory in digital curatory processes and reconstruction of the cultural heritage of humanity: Web 2.0 initiatives

Abstract

The advent of electronic Information and Communication Technologies made possible a hybrid communication of museum collections, making itself present in face- to-face and digital-virtual environments. Such hybridization of the communicational aspect of museums is seen as an extension of these institutions and as an expansion of the means of access to institutionalized memory and of the forms of interaction with informational subjects and their communities of interest. However, the presentation of collections in the digital environments of museums demands the Digital Curation of museological objects, which makes it possible to work in a fluid way in these environments, enhances and multiplies the performance in different contexts and on multiple platforms available to communities of interest. The objective was to study a form of Digital Curation that contemplates social participation, that is, a curation model in which the community participates in its processes, and, consequently, feels represented, with a participatory, horizontal and inclusive approach. The methodology is descriptive and exploratory, with a literature review and research on web environments and initiatives that disclose the practice of social curation. In the international context, some authors have addressed the social aspect of curation through the participatory approach. However, it was not possible to identify national authors who approach this perspective in the literature. The study observed that the Museu da Pessoa is pioneer in collaborative curation. International initiatives demonstrate the openness to participatory curation, transforming the community into cultural heritage curators. Netizens have become co-curators of cultural memories in digital-virtual environments, and the curation can now count on the participation of the community in the reconstruction of the narratives of cultural heritage in hybrid environments. Participatory approach promotes equity in the relationship between the institution and society, democratizing access to transcultural heritage and enabling Social Curation.