In the Future Heritage Lab, Waag focuses on heritage as an entity that is in constant flux. Individuals have the freedom to give their own meanings to heritage objects, stories and associations. At the same time, however, heritage collections are also tied to their social, historical, and contemporary context. Changes in society require heritage institutions to adjust their behaviours and their collections. Who actually determines which cultural traditions, buildings, or works of art constitute heritage? What role does heritage play in contemporary debates about identity, ecology, and social cohesion?
What role does heritage play in contemporary debates about identity, ecology, and social cohesion?
In collaboration with artists, researchers, museums (both large and small), and archives, the Future Heritage Lab works on interactive installations, digital applications of heritage, and novel working methods. For instance, she works on preserving old European craft techniques; helps develop Fab City Hubs at historic industrial heritage locations; and investigates new visitor experiences that arise through the use of Mixed Reality. She also explores the current archiving issues around 'digital born heritage' and new methods of working, such as dynamic documenting and emotion networks. During the annual MuseumCamp, the lab offers people from the fields of museum and heritage a three-day intensive camp examining how museums can better respond to social developments.
