The paper “The case for Public AI: making it happen with cultural heritage” is based on discussions within the Alignment Assembly on Culture for AI, a collective intelligence initiative that has engaged more than 400 professionals from across the cultural heritage sector. It presents a shared vision for how cultural heritage institutions can both shape and benefit from the development of AI.
A key message emerging from the discussions is that the sector seeks to play a dual role in relation to AI. On the one hand, cultural heritage institutions aim to establish clear frameworks for how heritage data is accessed and used, helping to prevent its extraction into opaque systems that do not align with public values. On the other hand, the sector recognises the potential of AI to create new opportunities for access, participation and societal value.
The paper identifies four ways in which cultural heritage organisations can contribute to Public AI:
- Providing high-quality, traceable and reliable data
- Enabling fair and reciprocal access to cultural heritage data
- Helping shape the development and governance of smaller, domain-specific AI systems
- Strengthening AI literacy among both professionals and the wider public
The paper also highlights the role of the Common European Data Space for Cultural Heritage as an enabler of these activities. Beyond facilitating data sharing and reuse, the data space supports capacity building, advocacy and collaboration across the cultural heritage sector and beyond.
The paper offers valuable insights for museums and other heritage organisations interested in the future relationship between AI, cultural heritage and public value, and highlights the important role the sector can play in shaping a more democratic and trustworthy AI landscape.
- Access and read the paper The case for Public AI: making it happen with cultural heritage The case for Public AI: making it happen with cultural heritage
Keep exploring the topic at NEMO’s European Museum Conference 2026
The discussion will continue at the NEMO European Museum Conference 2026 – Human after all: Museums in the wake of AI, taking place from 11–13 October 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania. The conference will explore how museums can respond to AI‑driven transformation while maintaining a strong focus on human values, public trust and democratic responsibility. Bringing together museum professionals and experts from across Europe, the programme will offer space for further reflection on AI, digital resilience and the evolving role of museums in a rapidly changing environment.
- Book your ticket now to secure your spot.
