On Wednesday, January 21, the first press conference was held to launch and present the project «Ψηφιοποίηση Συλλογής του Μ/Φ Συλλόγου Άρτης Ο ΣΚΟΥΦΑΣ» a project of pivotal importance for the cultural identity, collective memory, and digital future of Arta.

The project, titled: «Ψηφιοποίηση Συλλογής του Μ/Φ Συλλόγου Άρτης Ο ΣΚΟΥΦΑΣ» has been included in the “Digital Transformation 2021–2027” Program with a total budget of 1,069,088.00 euros.

The project aims to preserve, highlight, and make accessible to the general public an exceptionally rich cultural heritage, which includes rare publications from the historical library, as well as artifacts from the Association’s Folklore and History Museums. These consist of thousands of pages and objects of unique historical, scientific, and cultural value, which are now entering the new digital age.

The project’s main activities include:

• Digitization of printed, audiovisual, and 3D material from the Library and Museums’ collections.
• Documentation using modern metadata standards, ensuring scientific validity and interoperability.
• Development of a digital repository of cultural content, with the capability for long-term digital preservation.
• Creation of a unified digital platform and virtual exhibition space, allowing free access to the material from anywhere in the world.
• Development of innovative interactive applications, such as digital exhibitions, interactive timelines, 3D maps, and virtual reality experiences.

During the press conference, the Association’s President, Mr. Nikolaos Bantaloukas, stated that the digitization project is not merely about preserving the Association’s valuable artifacts; it is about preserving the memory, the identity, and the historical continuity of Arta, and that with the support of the academic community and the contribution of the Laboratory of Knowledge and Intelligent Computing at the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications of the University of Ioannina, the Association is taking a decisive step toward the future, transforming its cultural wealth into a shared heritage for everyone, both today and for future generations.
Mr. Bantaloukas thanked the research team at the Knowledge and Intelligent Computing Laboratory, which undertook the preparation and submission of the project’s application dossier as well as the implementation of all necessary procedures, offering the scientific expertise and academic experience that guarantee the quality, validity, and sustainability of the project. As he emphasized, this collaboration strengthens the connection between culture, research, and education and serves as tangible proof of the University’s ties to the local community and its contribution to the city of Arta.

The Association’s Library Director, Ms. Spyridoula Chouliara, pointed out that this project became a reality following the intervention of the Member of Parliament for Arta, Mr. George Stylios, as a special invitation was extended to “Skoufas” to be included alongside major social and academic institutions—such as universities, metropolitan sees, and cultural foundations—that maintain collections, so they could be invited to submit proposals for the digitization of their archives and collections.
Ms. Chouliara emphasized that this specific digitization project for the Library and Museums breathes new life into material of unique value, making it accessible to students, researchers, and citizens, without geographical or temporal restrictions, thereby strengthening education, research, and people’s connection to the history of their region. Ms. Chouliara emphasized that the project’s impact extends beyond the narrow confines of digitization and creates open access to knowledge for citizens, students, educators, and researchers not only in Greece but also worldwide.
The project helps strengthen local identity and collective memory, bringing the people of Arta closer to their history and traditions, creating new opportunities for cultural tourism and outreach, and promoting Arta at the national and international levels. Finally, she emphasized that this enduring digital legacy ensures that the region’s cultural wealth will remain alive and accessible for future generations.

Mr. Tasos Manos, CEO of Dotsoft, the project contractor, presented the company’s multifaceted experience and expertise in similar digitization and cultural management projects, and company representatives analyzed the project’s implementation plan.

All those present emphasized that the project “Ψηφιοποίηση της Βιβλιοθήκης και των Μουσείων του Μουσικοφιλολογικού Συλλόγου Άρτας “Ο ΣΚΟΥΦΑΣ”” is an investment in the culture, knowledge, and future of Arta, reaffirming the Association’s enduring role as the intellectual and cultural hub of the region.