HEAD OF COLLECTION CARE AND CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT, PROJECT MANAGER OF MAPS2020

Ludwig Museum – Museum of Contemporary Art, Budapest (HU)

BIO

Béla Támas Kónya holds a PhD in Media art preservation (theory and practice) and an absolutorium from the Hungarian University of Fine Arts Doctoral School, and he is currently the Head of Conservation at Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Art. His primary role has been dedicated to the development and implementation of the collection care strategy, with a focus on contemporary art from 2008 onwards.

His main responsibilities include managing the Collection Care and Conservation department, the conservation of contemporary art objects and the management of exhibitions. Furthermore, his role involves the promotion of contemporary art, including media art, which belongs to our cultural heritage. He also ensures that cultural diversity is promoted as a fundamental value, and he oversees the design and development of projects which involve close cooperation with national and international partners. Moreover, he administers the Development and implementation of a long-term Collection Care and Digitization Strategy and he is involved in the development of the future Institute of Collection Care Methodology.

Béla Támas Kónya he also dedicates much of his time to exhibition co-ordination and he was the chief curator for the media arts exhibition: “‘Save As…’ – What Will Remain of New Media Art?” held at the  Ludwig Museum in 2017. He closely cooperates with contemporary artists, curators and institutions in contemporary art curation, exhibition and conservation projects worldwide. (ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, MoMA, MET, Tate, BOZAR, New York University, Goethe-Institut, Museum Ludwig, LIMA, etc.). With his experience and extensive network he seeks to actively contribute to the ongoing research, conservation and preservation of existing and future artworks.

ABSTRACT

The Variable Strategy of the Twenty-First Century Museum

This talk explores the impact of the changing technological and social processes of the twenty-first century on the operation and strategies of museums. It also touches upon the impact of social media and the social community’s interest in new forms of technological advancement and spectacular entertainment. Digital products and technologies have had an increasing influence on the operation of museums, and each area of expertise within this broad field requires the adoption of new approaches. Museums in the twenty-first century must seek opportunities to improve their digital resources by way of sustainable and economical developments, to keep up with the ongoing re-evaluations around the notion of museum roles, functions and responsibilities.