Digital Restoration Lab is a project with the main goal of systematizing, integrating and disseminating modern practices for restoration, digitization, digital restoration and presentation of old photographs. The partner consortium is committed to creating training resources, a film and guide, an open online learning platform and a communication channel that will open new perspectives to the cultural and educational sector in the respective countries, as a way to raise the level of knowledge and skills for the digitization of old photographs. The project will increase the competences of the target group related to the digitization of photographs, acquiring knowledge and skills for digital restoration at low prices; will improve capabilities to use open educational resources; will increase the capacity of experts in large cultural and educational institutions (VET, schools, libraries, archives, museums) to train colleagues from small organizations. The most valuable priority of the project is the inclusion of photographic collections in the digital European information fund in accordance with the EU requirements for access to information, for the preservation and extension of the life of specialized photo collections.
The motives of the project encompass the public recognition of the need for an engaged supranational dialogue with a specific working format and focus aimed at solving issues of mutual interest related to digitization, digital restoration and presentation of old photographs as an engine for sustainable cultural development and strengthening European partnerships and cooperation between educational institutions (VET), libraries, photo archives, photo studios, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), etc. The subjects of the photographs provide information that creates an impact related to aesthetics, history and science, making them not only a mirror of technological progress, but also a proven part of the world's cultural and historical heritage. Globalization requires rapid access to information and communications. Many old photographs are in poor condition and poorly exposed, increasing the risk of damage. Little is done in terms of protection as most institutions do not have experts. The project aims to initiate, support and implement activities, offer guides, modules, programs, training films that meet the needs of the target group as well as build cooperation mechanisms to develop skills for digital restoration of old photos.