KUVATA Webinar | 10 March 2026, 14:00–15:30
As artistic practices increasingly move into digital and hybrid spaces, a critical question emerges: how do we preserve digital art for the future? From websites and video works to interactive and networked artworks, digital creations are at constant risk of loss due to technological change, platform obsolescence, and insufficient archiving practices.
The KUVATA Webinar: Preserving the Digital Canvas – Archiving Arts for the Future addresses this urgent challenge by bringing attention to the importance of sustainable archiving methods for contemporary art. The webinar offers a space for artists, cultural professionals, researchers, and institutions to reflect on how digital works can be documented, stored, and made accessible over time.
Participants will gain insight into:
- Why digital art preservation is a growing concern for the cultural sector
- The challenges artists face when archiving born-digital and technology-based works
- Emerging approaches to safeguarding artistic legacies in the digital age
- The role of artists, institutions, and policy in building resilient archiving practices
The webinar is part of the Kuvata Project (Expanded Field of Visual Artists’ Income and Work), which explores new working models, competencies, and income opportunities for visual artists. The project is implemented by Tampere University of Applied Sciences, the University of Lapland, and Globe Art Point ry, and is partially funded by the European Union’s ESR+ program through the Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport, and the Environment.
By raising awareness and fostering dialogue around digital archiving, this webinar invites participants to think beyond the present moment and contribute to a future where today’s digital artworks remain visible, meaningful, and accessible for generations to come.
Why this matters
Whether you are an artist, curator, or cultural professional, understanding how to properly document and store digital work can determine whether it survives—and remains understandable—for future audiences. This session offers practical tools you can implement immediately.
About the Speakers
Susanna Sääskilahti, art historian and curator at the Finnish National Gallery, is responsible for its audiovisual archive. Having studied media art preservation at Danube University Krems and collaborated with CSC – IT Centre for Science Ltd. on long-term preservation solutions, she brings deep institutional expertise to the conversation.
In her talk, she will outline key considerations artists should keep in mind when creating and documenting media art. From choosing sustainable file formats and using checksums to establishing reliable storage and backup systems, she will provide clear, accessible strategies to help artists ensure their works remain workable and understandable. She will also address important considerations when collaborating with museums or private collectors.
Tommi Merelin, CEO and founder of Virtual Art Gallery, is a product strategist, futurist, and creative technologist with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of art and technology. Working globally with artists and institutions, he explores how digital platforms can expand cultural access and create meaningful connections in a global economy.
With a hands-on and practical perspective, Tommi challenges traditional assumptions about ownership and access, focusing on future-proof ways to ensure art is experienced, remains accessible, and stays visible—rather than sitting unseen in storage or studios.
What is KUVATA?
KUVATA is a development project dedicated to producing targeted training for visual artists and strengthening equal opportunities in today’s evolving art world through knowledge and education.
The main project partner is Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK). The University of Lapland’s Faculty of Art and Design contributes expertise in sustainability, responsibility, and anti-racism in the visual arts. Globe Art Point provides educational content on equality, diversity, ethics, and copyright issues in the field.
This webinar is part of KUVATA’s ongoing commitment to equipping artists with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a changing digital landscape.
Enroll here: https://www.lyyti.in/KUVATADigitalArchiving
More information: www.tuni.fi
More information here: www.tuni.fi.