Author(s): Ana Žuvela-Bušnja, Biserka Cvjetičanin, Daniela Jelinčić, Kruno Martinac, Helena Popović, Jaka Primorac, Aleksandra Uzelac
Year of publication: 2008
Keywords: Digital culture, Intercultural communication, Cultural institutions, Virtual space, Creative industries
Methodology/Sample: Content analysis Observation/Web portals and online presences related to cultural institutions in Croatia, including city websites, museums, galleries, NGOs
Reference: Žuvela-Bušnja, A., Cvjetičanin, B., Jelinčić, D., Martinac, K., Popović, H., Primorac, J., & Uzelac, A. (2008). Connecting Croatia: The public, private and civil sector of culture in the virtual space. Institute for International Relations, Zagreb, Croatia. https://www.culturelink.org/publics/joint/connecting_croatia-en.pdf
Abstract
The research project Connecting Croatia was conducted during 2007 with the aim of answering the question whether digital culture is opening up new prospects of cultural diversity and international cultural communication and cooperation in Croatia. Owing to the rapid changes taking place in all areas of human activity under the influence of information and communication technologies, the times we live in are called the digital age, the age of networking, the age of interactive communication… What does this mean for the development of Croatia, its culture and its international position?
The study Connecting Croatia analyses the state and development of the public, private and civil sector of culture in the virtual space. Since cultural content in the virtual space is developed in the public cultural sector and through initiatives of civil society and creative industries, the research project focused upon issues of (inter)relations between these three sectors in the creation of virtual cultural content. The study’s introduction defines digital culture, intercultural communication and their place in cultural policies. Within a broader context of reviewing the state of the Internet in Croatia, insight is given into official documents of the Republic of Croatia on strategies and national programmes of the development of digital culture in Croatia.
> Summary
- The research examines the web presence of public cultural institutions across 13 cities, focusing on their interactive multimedia content and communication strategies.
- It highlights that half of the analyzed institutions utilize interactive multimedia options, with public libraries leading in this aspect, followed by museums and theatres.
- The study also notes that many websites lack links to international projects, despite providing descriptions of their main activities and listing awards.
- Overall, the paper emphasizes the importance of digital engagement for cultural institutions in enhancing their visibility and outreach.
> Problem statement
- eCulture is not prioritized in the eCroatia development program, limiting its growth potential.
- Language barriers hinder intercultural communication and access to digital content.
- Insufficient interactive multimedia content restricts the effectiveness of cultural portals in Croatia.
- Limited financial and human resources affect the development of digital culture initiatives.
- The lack of systematic funding and support for participatory digital culture is a significant issue.
> Methods used
- The study analyzed associations in culture and their international representation using new technologies for intercultural dialogue.
- Variables from previous quantitative research were utilized for website analysis.
- Eleven variables were developed to design five models of web content organization.
- The research included links to information on international communication and cooperation.
- It focused on tourism-related web sources to assess digital marketing impacts on cultural organizations.
> Practical implications
- The research emphasizes the need for digital culture in Croatia to enhance international cultural communication and development perspectives.
- It highlights the importance of cultural associations engaging more in virtual spaces for innovation and social change.
- The paper identifies a lack of strategic documents addressing e-content and e-services in culture, indicating a need for comprehensive strategies.
- It suggests that cultural heritage digitalization should align with broader social goals, not just be an isolated effort.
- The findings indicate that only one-third of cultural associations provide online participation, suggesting a need for improved interactivity.