Blockchain and NFTs in the Cultural Heritage Domain: A Review of Current Research Topics

Abstract

In the last few years, blockchain technology and NFTs have been the subject of much research in different sectors ranging from informatics, to medicine, to economics. Although it is most often associated with cryptocurrencies, due to its features of immutability and durability, this technology has found its place in various fields, including GLAM institutions. This article will review the literature from 2017 to 2022 dealing with blockchain and NFTs in the heritage sector. Topics covered, proposed models, and projects will be highlighted. Archives are currently leading the research into the use of blockchain technology and have already developed models such as TrustChain. However, libraries, museums, and galleries are also beginning to show an interest in the new technology and its potential benefits. Therefore, we also approached the GLAM sector as a whole, to emphasize the importance of the joint development on the advancement of shared approaches and protocols in utilizing blockchain technology to enhance the trustworthy management and preservation of digital resources. This is particularly important because GLAM institutions care for a shared heritage and serve a common audience. In the second part of the article we will discuss the proposed uses of the technology and highlight still unexplored topics that should be elaborated in further research. The aim of this paper is to make a synthesis of previous research and bring the potential of blockchain technology and NFTs closer to experts in the heritage field, given that they are still quite unknown.

3D digital conservation and restoration skills for the 21st century

“…The challenge of access to the digital heritage (CPDH Article 2: Access), combined with the danger of illegal or uncontrolled reproduction of online 3D models, discussed in the focus group, might even be (possibly and partially) solved by the transformation to NFTs, because blockchain protocols imprint a type of transparent ownership watermark and help to authenticate CH (Deakin, 2022). In addition, the concept of smart contracts, on which NFTs are based, enables secure exchanges where the parties have agreed the terms of the purchase and how the asset can be used in advance and it records every condition and change of ownership (Stublić et al, 2023).…”

“…To consolidate these examples in practice, more research is needed on the practical and technical feasibility and legal and economic implications, which also includes definitions on copyright, authorship, and ownership (Oruç, 2022). At the moment it is not realistic for CH institutions to establish and maintain their own blockchain, meaning a middleman is still needed (Stublić et al, 2023). Selling NFTs of individual (virtual) CH objects involves placing the existence responsibility in the hands of private individuals or companies, which stands in contrast to the traditional institutional authority of CH institutions.…”

“…Challenges in adopting blockchain and NFTs in CH include associations with extra-legal cryptocurrencies, government restrictions, and a dilemma between public and private blockchains. Other issues involve scalability, lack of education, high implementation costs, security risks with private keys, and last but certainly not least, environmental concerns due to high energy consumption during mining (Lal and You, 2023;Stublić et al, 2023).…”