Since the 1970s, Dutch artists creating media artworks have been exceptionally innovative, experimenting with a range of (then) advanced hardware and software platforms to create new interactive forms. These works were showcased not only in galleries or museums but also performed and exhibited online, contributing to the development of media art nationally and internationally.

The Importance of Distribution, Collection and Presentation

LI-MA is committed to the visibility and appreciation of both iconic works and new experiments. As the only place in the Netherlands where media art is systematically collected and distributed, LI-MA uses its extensive network to put Dutch media artists on the (inter)national map.

The Importance of Digital Art Preservation

Rapid technological advancements threaten the future presentation of digital art, endangering our memory of media art and a crucial part of our cultural history. Without proper care and customisation, digital art cannot be shown in the future. Stored on formats such as optical, floppy, or zip disks, as well as outdated hardware, these artworks are increasingly at risk of irreversible deterioration and complete loss due to obsolescence.

Without well-organised knowledge transfer, this part of our digital artistic heritage will soon be lost. It will no longer be available for public display, artists will be unable to build on the work of their predecessors, and it will become inaccessible for educational, artistic, and scientific research purposes.

The Essential Role of LI-MA

LI-MA is globally recognised for its groundbreaking and pioneering work conducting distribution, research, and providing specialist services in the area of Media Arts and Digital Art preservation in Europe. The Netherlands boasts a unique collaboration in this area: artists, museum, corporate and private collections, and presentation institutions collaborate with research and knowledge centre LI-MA, to ensure sustainable access to media art. LI-MA not only facilitates the future global presentation of existing works (as seen with REBOOT) but also shares its expertise and services with the field.

While other countries tackle these challenges independently, the Netherlands has successfully pooled limited resources to develop and share a comprehensive network, infrastructure, and knowledge base. This collaborative approach enables both large and small institutions to address the complexities of digital art and evolving technologies, which would be nearly impossible for most museums, collectors, and institutions to manage alone in these rapidly changing times.

The Challenge We Face

LI-MA is in need of your support to continue its vital work. Until now, LI-MA has annually invested in its infrastructure and tasks by securing project funding. In the Netherlands, the heritage sector lacks specific regulations or categories for the collection development, research, management, and preservation of media art and digital culture. While many artists and heritage institutions benefit from our specialised expertise and tools to build their in-house knowledge, LI-MA, the leading institution in this field, despite a positive assessment, does not qualify for funding since its not seen as a presentation or developing institution. 

How Can You Help Us?

Let us know why you think LI-MA is important for the distribution, management and preservation of digital art in the Netherlands and beyond. Please send us a short and powerful quote expressing your support. Send your quote before 25 November 2024 to press@li-ma.nl and/or use #supportlima on social media and tag us. With these quotes, we will inspire others in our campaign. 

If you want  to make another contribution, please contact us via support@li-ma.nl or make a donation: