The International Network for Advanced Research in Computational Audiovisual Media (ARCAM-net) aims to integrate knowledge and technology from film and media scholarship, computer science and engineering, and audiovisual heritage and preservation science. Europe’s audiovisual cultural heritage — from historical newsreels to born-digital collections — is preserved across archives, institutes, and libraries, but the computational methods, tools, and expertise needed to work with it at scale remain scattered across countries and institutions. ARCAM-net’s goal is to connect this heritage sector with the creative industries through a shared, interdisciplinary R&D framework, with an emphasis on advanced computing and equitable models of access, historical understanding, and creative reuse.
Status
I led this initiative and its bid for funding through the COST Action programme, submitting proposals in the 2025 and 2026 call cycles. Both were ultimately unsuccessful — COST Actions are highly competitive, with an overall success rate of ~7%.
I remain involved in the initiative, but have passed on the lead to my colleague Mila Oiva, who will take the lead for resubmission in the 2027 cycle.