International VR Artistry Archive (R&D)

I am actively involved as a co-initiator and researcher in a foundational Research & Development (R&D) project aiming to establish an international digital archive dedicated to preserving key artistic works created in Virtual Reality (VR).

The core idea addresses the growing need to safeguard VR cultural heritage, which is vulnerable due to rapidly changing hardware and software standards. The archive aims to provide long-term access to significant Polish and international VR artworks (both interactive experiences and 360° films) for researchers, educational institutions, curators, and creators.

Project Rationale:

• VR has a rich history that requires systematic documentation and preservation.
• Lack of access to historical VR works hinders contemporary artistic development and criticism.
• Technological obsolescence threatens the accessibility of existing VR experiences.
• A dedicated repository is crucial for education and research in immersive media.

The project is currently in the concept development and international partnership-building phase. We have completed a technological feasibility study outlining a secure, cloud-based repository architecture and a detailed legal analysis addressing copyright complexities within the EU framework (InfoSoc & DSM Directives). This initiative seeks to establish the necessary groundwork for a vital resource for the future of VR as an art form.