FUTURE PERSPECTIVES FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE CASE OF SIBILLIA AI
S. Ferretti
The digitalization of cultural heritage has become a key priority in contemporary research and preservation efforts, driven by the need to enhance accessibility, engagement, and interpretation of historical artifacts. In this context, artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role, offering innovative solutions for the analysis, classification, and dissemination of cultural assets. Sacred art, in particular, represents a crucial aspect of historical and religious identity, yet its full appreciation is often hindered by limited accessibility, fragmented documentation, and a lack of contextual interpretation. Addressing these challenges requires advanced tools capable of integrating historical knowledge with technological advancements to provide enriched, interactive experiences for both experts and the general public.
For this reason, I am working on a prototype of an artificial agent that I have named Sibillia.It is an advanced artificial intelligence system designed for the analysis and promotion of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Umbrian Apennine Ridge. The project aligns with the growing emphasis on the digitalization of cultural heritage, aiming to enhance accessibility and usability of information related to the region’s sacred artworks.
The virtual assistant focuses on the cultural fabric that intertwines history, religion, tradition, art, and economy within the villages of the Umbrian Apennine Ridge. By shedding light on often overlooked or inaccessible heritage, Sibillia analyzes the iconography and significance of sacred representations in relation to the communities that venerate them. This contextualization enables Sibillia to provide an immersive and interactive visitor experience, allowing real-time exploration of the meaning behind artworks and the figures depicted.
Beyond merely describing images, Sibillia offers in-depth information about the artworks and the churches that house them, incorporating details on their architecture and historical background. Through a sophisticated source analysis system, the project aims to construct an interpretative framework that links iconographic representations to historical documents and specialized studies.
A distinctive feature of Sibillia is its adaptive capability, adjusting the language and depth of its explanations based on the target audience. This ensures effective communication for both specialists in the field and a broader audience, including tourists, students, and art enthusiasts. In addition to artwork descriptions, Sibillia can generate personalized itineraries based on specific iconographic themes, artistic movements, or historical periods. The assistant also correlates iconographies with liturgical festivities and local devotional practices, fostering a deeper understanding of the interplay between art, faith, and culture within the examined geographical area.
Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Iconography, Art, Education, Artificial Intelligence.