Date of Award

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Art History and Visual Culture

Department

Art

First Advisor

James Hutson

Second Advisor

Caroline Paganussi

Third Advisor

Piper Hutson

Abstract

This project explores the development of an affordable, standards-based digital collections management system designed for small galleries, independent artists, and emerging institutions. Using the artist’s own studio collection as a case study, the research integrates accessible hardware and open-source technologies, including the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF), Artwork Archive, GitHub Pages, and the Internet Archive, to establish a transparent, replicable workflow for cataloguing and publication. The project demonstrates how interoperability, metadata consistency, and open access can be achieved without reliance on costly proprietary systems, such as TMS Collections or PastPerfect.

The workflow includes high-resolution image capture, 3D scanning, data normalization, and automated manifest generation through custom Python scripts. While early experiments with photogrammetry proved impractical within the project’s scope, 3D documentation was achieved using a Revopoint Inspire scanner, with models hosted publicly on Sketchfab. The accompanying metadata was developed through AI-assisted tools, including ChatGPT and Perplexity’s Comet browser assistant, with rigorous human verification to ensure accuracy and ethical integrity.

The final archive, comprising interoperable IIIF manifests, validated metadata, and hosted media assets, demonstrates a sustainable and adaptable framework for digital preservation. It prioritizes accessibility, transparency, and the cultivation of ethical AI practices within digital heritage production, offering a practical contribution to the evolving discourse on democratized museum technologies.

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