Record and preserve cultural heritage

Università IULM actively delivers projects to record and preserve intangible cultural heritage such as local folklore, traditions, language, and knowledge.

Preserving indigenous heritage in Peru
A flagship initiative is the long-standing mission in Peru, focused on researching and preserving the ancient Andean culture within the framework of the “Indigenous Peoples of Central and South America” program. At the Tumshukayko site (dating back to 3000 BC), IULM researchers have collaborated with local communities in excavation efforts, respecting their role as custodians of the land. The mission has contributed to documenting monumental architecture, reconstructing the ceremonial platform sequence, and identifying new archaeological areas. This work not only advances archaeological knowledge but also supports the preservation of indigenous cultural traditions and memory.

Digital preservation of local traditions in Italy
In parallel, IULM is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for the safeguarding of intangible heritage. A recent project focuses on the cultural heritage of Roccella Jonica and the Locride area, aiming to document and valorize local folklore, dialects, legends, and artistic expressions. Through the collection of historical archives, audiovisual testimonies, and oral histories, the project develops digital tools to ensure long-term preservation and the possibility of dynamic storytelling in local languages. By involving schools, local experts, and the community, the initiative provides a replicable model of digital safeguarding of intangible culture that balances innovation with ethical and legal considerations.

Underwater archaeology and maritime heritage
IULM is also engaged in underwater archaeological projects that connect cultural preservation with environmental and social sustainability.

• At Castel dell’Ovo in Naples, excavations have uncovered ancient port infrastructures of Parthenope, offering new insights into the role of the sea in cultural exchanges between peoples.
• At the Castle of Baia, in collaboration with the Parco Archeologico dei Campi Flegrei and the Italian Ministry of Culture, IULM researchers are mapping submerged structures and geological faults to preserve both the archaeological remains and the coastal environment.

These projects highlight how intangible maritime heritage – myths, legends, and cultural memory of the sea – can be preserved alongside tangible archaeological sites.

Open cultural education for local citizens
IULM also contributes to the dissemination of cultural memory through open-access educational programs. The initiative Fondamenta offers free online courses for both students and citizens, with lessons on historical figures such as Cicerone, Shakespeare, Maria Montessori, and Alan Turing. This project combines academic learning with public cultural participation, ensuring that the wider community can access knowledge about the legacies that have shaped global cultural identity.

Arts and memory through cinema and festivals
Each year, IULM supports cultural preservation through student participation in the Venice International Film Festival, contributing to critical reflection on cinema as an art form and as a vehicle of collective memory. This engagement strengthens the university’s link with the broader creative industry and ensures that the recording of contemporary cultural expressions remains accessible for future generations.

By integrating archaeological missions, digital preservation, underwater research, open education, and active involvement in international festivals, Università IULM demonstrates a holistic commitment to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. These initiatives reinforce the protection of traditions and knowledge while ensuring they remain accessible and relevant to communities today and in the future.