Art{×}ECML : using technology to reconcile art and science for crises : an exhibition at the European Crisis Management Laboratory (ECML)

On 16 December 2024 the European Crisis Management Laboratory (ECML) launched the innovative Art{@ ×}ECML exhibition, showcasing how cutting-edge technologies can help preserve and interact with cultural heritage. It went on every working day at the ECML (JRC Ispra, Italy) between 16.00-17.00 until 28 February 2025. Visitors experienced the connections between science, art and technology, by exploring potential adaptation of the technology used in the exhibition for future applications in disaster risk management science and beyond. At the heart of the exhibition was the collaboration with Haltadefinizione, the tech company of the Gruppo Panini Cultura specialised in high-resolution art digitalization. Using their Coosmo Digital Asset Management system, visitors explored world-famous art pieces on the ECML's touch video wall. This interactive display allowed visitors to zoom into fine details that are almost invisible to the naked eye, providing fresh perspectives on the iconic artworks displayed and the opportunity for a personalised navigation of the iconic art pieces. By bringing this technology to the European Crisis Management Laboratory the exhibition bridged cultural storytelling with technological innovation. While not directed connected with the work currently done at the laboratory, the aim of the experiment was to assess the potential application of this technology to the systems and data (and also other types of art) related to disasters and emergencies. The exhibition was enhanced by AI-generated music, with two models - ChatGPT and MusicGen - used to create a track tailored to each artwork. ChatGPT described the music that would match the tone and content of the art pieces, and MusicGen used its reply to create an instrumental composition for them.