(EL-IT) 2014-2020.   Scientific responsible: Xenofon Bitsikas. Partners: Research Committee University of Ioannina, Region of Epirus, University of Bari, Province of Lecce, Municipality of Ioannina.

PALIMPSEST («Post Alphabetical Interactive Museum using Participatory, Space-Embedded, Story-Telling ») approaches the challenge of revalorisation of cultural heritage assets as an opportunity to reinvigorate the urban environment of less developed touristic areas and thus, to lead to cultural and economical growth. Through collective memories reconfigures the digital representations of the city in a mapping database that is accessible through an app. On another level it invites artists to reinterpret these memories and reinstate them in the physical public space of the city, as interactive, artistic installations. PALIMPSEST understands cultural heritage as a collective, bottom up resource and thus allows inclusiveness and engagement in its collection. It is also innovative in the way that digital tools allow to reuse this recovered raw material, not just in the digital realm, but also by reinserting it in the physical urban realm, creating a hybrid space where, through artistic installations, the past is revived in the present. The engagement of the public, which operates as an embodied archive; the hybrid condition as a result of the insertion of the digital to the physical; and the reinterpretation of the past through the artistic interventions in the city; constitute a combination that goes beyond existing practices and allow both participating countries to address their common challenges and their joint assets in an innovative way...