Project Overview
The SafeARTECH research project has officially launched in September 2025, focusing on the preservation of digital, experimental and technological art from recent decades in Spain. This three-year interdisciplinary initiative addresses critical gaps in the conservation, documentation and valorization of media art practices in the Spanish context.
Project Title: SafeARTECH: Salvaguardia del arte digital, experimental y tecnológico de las últimas décadas en España: perspectivas, retos y oportunidades
Duration: 2025-2027
Official code: PID2024-155970NA-I00
Funding: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (93,750,00 €)
Lead Institution: Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Principal Investigator: Dr. Esther Moñivas Mayor
Research Objectives
SafeARTECH addresses the urgent need to identify, document and preserve technologically-mediated artistic practices that have emerged over the past four decades in Spain. The project aims to:
• Map diverse perspectives and stakeholders in the production and preservation of media art
• Analyze current strategies and infrastructures for acquisition, cataloging, documentation and conservation
• Assess conservation risks in both institutional and non-institutional contexts
• Develop sustainable recommendations for policy and practice
• Foster multisectoral awareness of preservation challenges
Innovative Approach
The project brings together a unique interdisciplinary team spanning:
• 7 public universities across Spain (Madrid, Valencia, León, Cuenca, Alicante, Tarragona, Salamanca)
• Leading cultural institutions: Museo Reina Sofía (MNCARS), MACBA, CA2M
• Digital archives: HAMACA platform, Medialab Matadero
• Private collections: SOLO Contemporary
• Conservation specialists, artists, technicians, cultural managers and researchers from both public and private sectors
Methodology
SafeARTECH employs five complementary methodological approaches:
1. Documentary research in archives and databases
2. Critical theoretical analysis of academic literature
3. Qualitative fieldwork through interviews, case studies and institutional residencies
4. Statistical analysis of surveys and databases
5. Practice-based research integrating artists' perspectives
International Alignment
The project aligns with global initiatives in media art preservation, drawing on partnerships with renowned institutions including:
• LI-MA (Amsterdam)
• ZKM-Zentrum für Kunst und Medien (Karlsruhe)
• Ars Electronica Center (Linz)
• RED - Restaurierungszentrum Düsseldorf
SafeARTECH also connects with the COST Action CA24129 - European Media and Born-digital Art Conservation and Knowledge Network (EMBARK) (2025-2028), contributing to the broader European effort to advance conservation knowledge and practices for media and born-digital art.
Expected Outcomes
• Policy recommendations for institutions and public administrations
• Open data platform: Sustainable digital infrastructure for ongoing research
• Training programs for conservation professionals
• International conference and workshops
• Academic publications: 5+ articles in Q1/Q2 indexed journals, 2 monographs
• Documentary materials: 10 audiovisual capsules featuring artist and other agent interviews
Relevance to INCCA Community
Safe ARTECH directly addresses conservation challenges familiar to INCCA members, particularly:
• Interdisciplinary collaboration between artists, technicians, conservators, art historians and staff in charge of archives
• Documentation methodologies for variable media artworks
• Institutional policy development for media art collections
• Risk assessment for technology-dependent artworks
• Sustainable preservation strategies
Contact & Collaboration
The project welcomes international collaboration and knowledge exchange with INCCA members working on similar challenges.
Contact: Dr. Esther Moñivas Mayor, Principal Investigator [esther.monivas@ucm.es]
Institution: Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Project Website: [To be announced]
SafeARTECH represents the first comprehensive national study of media art preservation challenges in Spain, contributing to the global dialogue on safeguarding our digital cultural heritage.