img. Lorňon, Uměleckoprůmyslové Museum V Praze, CC BY.

Europeana recently launched the ‘makers pilot’, a programme of research and promotional activities to explore how to harness the value of Europeana’s free to reuse content for makers. The maker movement is no less diverse or easier defined than the contested market it sits within, the creative industries. Europeana’s digital heritage content, drawn from the collections of over 3500 cultural heritage institutions across Europe, has the potential to inspire new designs, products and businesses. Our focus in the maker market will be high level amateur and professional makers who can demonstrate originality and excellence in using digital and technological means (eg computer-aided design, 3D printing or laser cutters) in concept, design and process to produce digital or physical products.

Over the next nine months we will run three campaigns highlighting a specific area of our content that could provide inspiration for makers, and also attend events throughout Europe to consult professionals and promote Europeana’s offer for makers, and we are keen to explore other promotional opportunities where we can reach high level amateur and professional makers.

Contact Europeana if you have ideas on the type of content makers could make use of, how makers could (re-)use Europeana’s incredible content, or to share expertise as we begin exploring this market. Join the conversation on Twitter with #MakeWithEuropeana. We look forward to hearing from you!

See more at: http://pro.europeana.eu/blogpost/inspire-makers-to-creatively-transform-europe-s-digital-cultural-heritage