Ravello Lab 2024: artificial intelligence at the service of culture and heritage
Imagine a future in which ancient art dialogues with the most advanced technology, where a centuries-old painting comes to life through the voice of a virtual guide, and where every visitor can explore cultural heritage in their own language. This future is no longer a distant vision: it is already reality thanks to the innovations discussed at the Ravello Lab 2024, where more than 100 experts came together to reshape the future of culture in the digital age.
From 19 to 21 October 2024, the stunning setting of Ravello, with its breathtaking view of the Amalfi Coast, hosted the nineteenth edition of Ravello Lab. This renowned European forum, promoted by Federculture, the European University Centre for Cultural Heritage and the Fondazione Scuola dei beni e delle attività culturali, was the perfect opportunity to explore the impact and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the cultural sector. The event took place in a historic villa, where art and history created an ideal setting for a deep reflection on the future of culture.
The central focus of Ravello Lab 2024 was understanding how AI can become a valuable ally in enhancing cultural heritage. Alfonso Andria, President of the Centro Europeo and of the Ravello Lab Committee, stressed the collective responsibility of guiding the innovation process, so that it is not driven solely by economic interests. “If technology can support the development of the cultural system, culture must help steer innovation”, he stated, outlining the need for a balance between progress and cultural values.
Thematic panels: sustainability, technology and continuous training
Over the three days of meetings, academics, public administrators and cultural professionals discussed crucial issues in thematic panels led by experts such as Fabio Pollice, Pierpaolo Forte and Marcello Minuti. These discussions led to practical proposals for both the public sector and private operators, with the aim of creating a fruitful union between technology and culture.
A central theme was the link between culture and sustainability. Pierpaolo Forte stressed that cultural heritage should not be seen only as an economic burden, but as a resource capable of generating both economic and social value. Innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can help make tourism more sustainable and promote urban regeneration while respecting local communities, putting people’s wellbeing and the protection of the territory first.
Data from the Fondazione Scuola dei beni e delle attività culturali highlighted that Italy is still lagging behind other European countries in the digitalization of the cultural sector: only 20% of museums use digital tools strategically, and just 5% adopt technologies for conservation. This prompted the forum to reaffirm the importance of continuous training, to prepare new generations of professionals with advanced digital skills. As Andria put it, “today’s technological challenges demand creative responses like the ones that emerged over these days”. Marcello Minuti focused on the evolution of cultural work in a digital key. It is not just about adopting new technologies, but about developing cross-cutting skills that make it possible to collaborate better and simplify processes. A workforce with a digital mindset can innovate and reduce the technological dependency of local organizations, bringing benefits both operationally and strategically.
In addition, local students contributed to the discussions with thought-provoking questions and fresh ideas, fostering an intergenerational dialogue that is essential to understanding and addressing future challenges.
The amuseapp experience: AI for accessible culture
In the digital age we live in, the needs of audiences and cultural venues are changing at an unprecedented pace. Technology is no longer a simple accessory, but a fundamental element in delivering memorable and engaging visit experiences. We at the amuseapp team know this well, and we were glad to take part in Ravello Lab 2024 to share our experience of applying artificial intelligence in support of cultural heritage.
Our platform allows museums and managers of cultural spaces to create multilingual audio guides and personalize visit routes based on different audience needs. Thanks to the app, visitors can make the most of all the features on offer: listening to personalized audio guides, interacting with a virtual guide trained on every detail of the exhibition, and even supporting the museum and its heritage with a contribution, thanks to a convenient built-in donation system. All directly from their own smartphone.
Beyond the quality of the experience it offers, amuseapp stands out for how quickly it can be implemented. In just 7 days, a museum can have its content uploaded and ready for visitors to use. This drastically reduces the time and costs associated with more traditional solutions. Furthermore, the absence of fixed costs makes amuseapp a sustainable choice for museums of every size, from large institutions to small local venues.
amuseapp responds to the challenges and opportunities of the modern world, making culture more accessible, interactive and sustainable, in line with the needs of an increasingly digital audience.
A future of culture and innovation
Ravello Lab was not only a moment of reflection, but a true laboratory of ideas, where the dialogue between innovation and tradition builds the foundation for the future of our cultural heritage. The event closed with a message of hope and responsibility: AI and digitalization must not be seen as threats, but as tools for making culture more open and participatory.
We at the amuseapp team fully agree, and for this reason we are grateful to have taken part in this inspiring event. It was a valuable opportunity to share the amuseapp experience and show how our solution meets the needs of the modern world.
