Groningen, Netherlands

Things That Matter

“Things that Matter” addresses the tension between the materiality of sources and their digitization. The Summer School maps the possibilities and challenges posed by the digital age for researchers, curators and the public. We discuss the changing nature of objects such as books and scientific instruments as source materials – what distinguishes an original from its digital copy and does it matter? What challenges are involved in the practice of collections and collecting through digitization, both technologically, environmentally and intellectually? How do virtual collections and exhibitions influence user experiences and expectations? What collections are digitized and why those? Who makes the selections? How do we meet scientific demands on systematic design and transparency when working on online search engines and on differing (and sometimes incompatible) designs of databases?

The Summer School brings together experts from both academia and the cultural heritage sector. Over the course of one week of intensive teaching, they will deliver lectures, lead seminars and hands-on sessions in libraries and museums, and supervise student-led projects and presentations.

“Things that Matter” consists of 2 components, which can be taken together or independently:

1. The online course Curating a Virtual Exhibition, starting 15 April 2024. Total hours: 60 over 5 weeks.

2. The on-site Summer School, 17 - 21 June 2024. Total hours: 30 hours of teaching and learning supplemented by students’ group work.

Course leader

Prof. Raingard Esser (University of Groningen, Faculty of Arts)

Target group

This summer school is designed for MA students and PhD students in History, Cultural Studies, Art History, Curatorial and Museum Studies and related disciplines.

It is expected that the participants have a sufficient command of the English language to actively participate in the discussions and to present their own work in English .

Course aim

After this course you will be able to:

1. critically evaluate the challenges of digitization for our understanding of historical objects and artefacts

2. understand and be able to apply the specific requirements and challenges of virtual exhibitions.

3. critically reflect on the politics of collection and collections in different national contexts.

Credits info

7.5 EC
1. The online module: Curating a Virtual Exhibition: 60 hrs. including preparation, participation and presentation

2. The on-site Summer School: 140 hrs. including preparation, participation and presentation

Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the (respective) workload. Students can apply for recognition of these credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.

Fee info

EUR 250: for external participants (meaning not those from consortium partners and ENLIGHT partners)
EUR 0: Participation is free participants from consortium partners and ENLIGHT partners.