Press
An online ideas store to help cultural websites stand out from the crowd was launched today by Culture Online, part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Called ProjectsETC, the new site aims to encourage information-sharing between institutions and focuses on the overlapping areas of education, technology and culture.
The site - www.projectsetc.org - includes case studies, practical guidance and comment pieces about real issues facing the cultural sector in the digital age.
Subjects covered include the truth behind web statistics, search engine optimisation and how to make websites accessible. The new site – part toolkit, part confessional and part advice centre – aims to help professionals working on interactive projects.
A series of podcasts has also been launched, exploring the issues behind the creation and management of digital resources.
The first podcast includes an interview with Chris Smith, director of the Clore Leadership Programme, and Professor Helen Petrie of York University, a specialist in creating accessible sites.
Mike Saunders, project manager for ProjectsETC, said:
"ProjectsETC is about using the internet to spread best practice and to inspire people to look at interactive technologies in a creative way. Many museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions are grappling with what to do on the web.
"No one knows all the answers - the digital world moves too fast for that. But this site will help people to share their knowledge so we can all learn from the experience of others. ProjectsETC is a virtual and vital space for those people who care about creating culture online, whether they’re curators, education officers or techies."
Claire Harcup, commissioning executive at Culture Online, added:
"We have some of best cultural resources in the world both online and in the real world. ProjectsETC celebrates and shares best practice and creates a community for those people who are creating and managing digital projects."
For further press information: please call 020 7487 7215 or email graham.thomas@culture.gsi.gov.uk.
