Researching a Rigged Game: Open Source Data & the Trade of Cultural Objects

Interest in studying the (illicit) trade in cultural objects, as well as questions around ownership, access and protection, have grown in recent years. However, this interdisciplinary field requires a range of methodological skills in order to trace an object's ownership history and the social network underpinning its trade. 

Auction records provide a rich and accessible long-term source of data to trace the physical movement of cultural objects, their owners, their financial value, and the knowledge created in relation to these objects. They have become increasingly important in exploring the legality and authenticity of cultural objects. 

Similarly, social media is progressively used to track trading networks and map illicit markets. However, to date, no uniform methodology employing open source data such as auction records and social media has been established.

This two-day online conference aims to bring together a diverse group of researchers and professionals to explore methodological, ethical and disciplinary considerations in the use of open source data to research the trade and transfer of cultural objects. Speakers are welcomed with a wide range of expertise, methodologies, case studies and insights.

There will be an opportunity for authors to submit their papers for a peer-reviewed Handbook, scheduled for publication in 2024.

Programme

• The programme and conference abstracts is available here 

All presentations will take place over Zoom - details will be provided to attendees closer to the conference date.