A forthcoming virtual conference will address methodological, ethical, and disciplinary aspects of using open source data to study the trade of cultural objects, focusing on ownership, access, and protection concerns. Sign up on the link below.
We are excited to announce a forthcoming virtual conference that will cover methodological, ethical and disciplinary considerations in the use of open source data to research the trade and transfer of cultural objects. Interest in studying the (illicit) trade in cultural objects, as well as questions around ownership, access and protection, have grown in recent years. However, this interdisciplinary field requires a range of methodological skills in order to trace an object’s ownership history and the social network underpinning its trade. Auction records provide a rich and accessible long-term source of data to trace the physical movement of cultural objects, their owners, their financial value, and the knowledge created in relation to these objects. They have become increasingly important in exploring the legality and authenticity of cultural objects. Similarly, social media is progressively used to track trading networks and map illicit markets. However, to date, no uniform methodology employing open source data such as auction records and social media has been established. This conference will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange on methodological, ethical and legal considerations to investigate illicit trade of cultural objects using open source data.
All presentations will take place over Zoom – details will be provided to attendees closer to the conference date. This conference is organized by Dr Emiline Smith & Summer Austin.