3D-4CH Online Competence Centre in 3D for Cultural Heritage

The 3D-4CH Online Competence Centre in 3D for Cultural Heritage project, co-funded by the European Union, is set to revolutionize the preservation, digitization, and accessibility of cultural heritage through advanced 3D technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and extended reality (XR). Over the next three years, this initiative will establish a fully online Competence Centre for 3D Cultural Heritage, enabling institutions, researchers, and the public to explore and protect Europe’s rich and diverse heritage like never before.

Funded under the Digital Europe Programme, 3D-4CH directly aligns with key objectives such as enhancing digital skills, strengthening data infrastructures, and accelerating the digital transformation of cultural heritage institutions (CHIs). The project will empower CHIs by providing training, tools, and a collaborative platform, ensuring that cultural treasures are safeguarded, studied, and made accessible for future generations.

The reconstruction and reopening of Notre Dame have shown that 3D technology is not only beneficial but essential. We must systematically safeguard all cultural heritage at risk by digitizing it in 3D - making the process more efficient, accessible, and widely adopted

Fulgencio Sanmartín - EC CNECT – Policy officer.

A Vision of Excellence

The 3D-4CH Competence Centre will address critical challenges in cultural heritage digitization through four core pillars:

  1. Training and Capacity Building – Offering interactive online courses, in-person workshops, and seasonal schools, the centre will equip cultural professionals with cutting-edge skills and certifications in 3D digitization and AI applications. Training materials will be made available in six different languages, including Ukrainian, ensuring broad accessibility.
  2. Advanced Tools and Services – Providing access to state-of-the-art technologies, best practices, and digital tools, the centre will support CHIs in preserving and managing digital heritage assets.
  3. 3D Deployment and Innovation – Developing high-quality 3D cultural assets, enhancing existing datasets, and ensuring metadata and sustainable archiving standards are upheld.
  4. Research and Development – Driving technological progress through collaborations with leading European and Ukrainian researchers to explore innovative solutions in 3D documentation, AI-enhanced analysis, and immersive storytelling.

Spearheading Digital Transformation in Cultural Heritage

Building on the foundations of influential EU-funded projects and leveraging European research infrastructures such as the Common European Data Space for Cultural Heritage, E-RIHS (European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science) and partnerships with leading cultural institutions, the Competence Centre will foster a unified approach to 3D heritage management.

A Special Focus on Ukraine

At its heart, the project is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and addressing urgent cultural needs. Inspired by the 4CH “SUM – Save Ukraine Monuments” initiative, the Centre places a strong emphasis on Ukrainian cultural heritage, actively involving Ukrainian CHIs in all project activities. By creating a dedicated pipeline for integrating Ukrainian 3D content into the European data space, the project seeks to preserve and celebrate Ukraine’s rich cultural legacy during challenging times.

Transformative Impact and Lasting Legacy

The Competence Centre for 3D is designed to be a beacon of progress and sustainability, delivering:

  • Expert Guidance and Validation: Insights from a prestigious Advisory Board of international scholars and a Stakeholder Panel of CHI representatives will ensure scientific rigor and practical relevance.
  • Sustainability and Accessibility: A comprehensive long-term data strategy rooted in open access, interoperability, and licensing standards will guarantee that all resources remain available for at least five years post-project.
  • Global Inspiration: A model for international collaboration and technological excellence that demonstrates the power of cultural heritage will strive to unite and inspire.

By blending advanced technologies with a deep respect for cultural diversity and historical significance, the Online Competence Centre for 3D promises to redefine how we preserve and experience our shared heritage. Join us in shaping a future where cultural treasures are not only safeguarded but celebrated and shared with the world.

Project Partners

  1. INCEPTION (coordinator) (IT)
  2. Università degli Studi di Ferrara  (IT)
  3. EUROPEANA Foundation (NL)
  4. Fondazione Bruno Kessler (IT)
  5. Connecting Archaeology and Architecture in Europe – CARARE  (IE)
  6. Time Machine Organisation (AT)
  7. IN2 Digital Innovations GmbH – IN2 (DE)
  8. The Discovery Programme Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland (IE)
  9. ARCTUR (SL)
  10. RDF Ltd. (BG)
  11. Pixelated Realities (UA)
  12. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – CNR-ISPC (IT)
  13. The Cyprus Institute (CY)
  14. Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique – CNRS-MAP (FR)
  15. Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center – PSNC (PL)
  16. University of Calabria / 3Dresearch (IT)
  17. European Fashion Heritage Association (IT)
  18. Talent Anonymos Etaira Pliroforikis – TALENT (GR)
  19. Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision (NL)
  20. Michael Culture Association (BE)

Affiliated and Associated Partners

Project Details

Title: Online competence centre in 3D for Cultural Heritage

Website: https://www.3d4ch-competencecentre.eu/ 

Start – end: December 2024 – January 2028

Value: 5,2M EUR

Co-funded by:

Cofunded by the EU

Funded by the Digital Europe Programme of the European Union Under Grant Agreement No 101195149