Restoration and reactivation approaches in computer music and time-based media art

This paper presents the work carried out by the Centro di Sonologia Computazionale (CSC) of the University of Padua, regarding the reactivation and preservation of time-based media artworks, including computer music, live electronics, performances, and multimedia art installations. During the last few years, the CSC has been developing a specific approach for archiving, documenting, and reactivating time-based media artworks, which led to the definition of the Multilevel Dynamic Preservation (MDP) model. Through in-depth analysis, various approaches are examined in the reactivation of several case studies, including digitisation, restoration, migration, and virtualisation of the artworks. The selected case studies involve various forms of art expression, such as video art, computer music, expanded cinema, and interactive performance. This contribution offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges encountered in the process of reactivating and preserving multimedia art, investigating the possible solutions offered by new technologies in preserving, digitising and virtualizing some of its forms, such as multimedia installations, expanded cinema, and video art performances.