About GreenGLAM

GreenGLAM: Artificial intelligence for sustainable development

Austrian galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAMs) can help raise public awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With their collections, they can encourage visitors to think about these goals and take action—thereby promoting solutions to current challenges. By imparting knowledge to their audiences on topics such as energy transition, circular economy, and sustainable mobility, GLAMs provide important impetus for public debate and reflection on the SDGs.

Currently, not all galleries, libraries, archives, and museums consider the impact of their work in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The interdisciplinary collaboration of our project partners uses AI-based methods to link knowledge and perceptions of Austrian GLAMs' activities in the context of the SDGs. GreenGLAM will use AI to link knowledge from GLAMs with public discussions and media and connect them to the relevant sustainable development goals.

Project objectives

The aim of GreenGLAM is to transform the collected information into virtual data sculptures that enrich the visitor experience. These can be explored in AR, which increases the interactivity of cultural attractions. The GreenGLAM team will develop a web-based dashboard and an AI-supported authoring tool. These tools are designed to help GLAMs better communicate SDG-related aspects of their work and analyze the public impact of their collections and exhibitions based on a broad data pool.

Infrastructure and cooperation

The project requires advanced infrastructure for data collection and combines expertise in the fields of AI, art, and visualization. Collaboration with leading Austrian cultural institutions and international partners will ensure its success.

The interdisciplinary effort, in which AI experts and GLAM representatives work together, will maximize the potential of GLAM collections, promote the SDGs, and educate the public. The project aims to raise public awareness of SDGs such as climate protection and provide real-time insights into sustainability messages in GLAMs to promote sustainable behavior.

Innovations and challenges

GreenGLAM will drive innovation in knowledge extraction, predictive analytics, and information visualization, in line with the EU AI Act and Green AI principles. The methods will also be adaptable to other areas. Challenges include developing scalable algorithms for creating data sculptures and taking temporal context into account in the analyses. The project will build on previous work for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to classify GLAM content according to its SDG relevance and increase its impact using predictive algorithms.

Benefits for GLAMs

  • Positioning as a pioneer:Participation in GreenGLAM strengthens GLAMs' position as pioneers in sustainability and technology, which enhances their reputation and credibility.
  • Increased visibility and appeal:Virtual data sculptures modernize the image of GLAMs and attract younger visitors.
  • Expanding your network:Participation in the project enables exchange with other GLAMs and experts.
  • Supporting sustainable development:Presenting sustainable topics raises awareness of environmental issues and promotes sustainable lifestyles.
  • Increase in visitor numbers:Innovative offerings attract more visitors and increase revenue.