Preserving the Demoscene project
The “Preserving the Demoscene” project involves the digitization of the history and present of the demoscene, as well as the production of a documentary film about this phenomenon. A key component is the interviewing of demoscene enthusiasts. The project enhances the visibility of the demoscene and the availability and accessibility of cultural heritage materials. It is a joint project between the Finnish Postal Museum and the Tampere Historical Museums.
What do we do in this project?
In the “Preserving the Demoscene” project, materials related to the demoscene and especially its internal communication are collected and digitized. We interview both old and new members of the demoscene community, forming an understanding of what the demoscene was like in the past and what it is now. The project aims to raise awareness of the demo hobby as intangible cultural heritage.
The “Preserving the Demoscene” project is carried out in collaboration with demo enthusiasts and will continue until the end of 2024.
A documentary film about demoscene
Based on the digitized materials and interviews, a documentary film will be produced, examining the hobby of demos from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The documentary aims to capture an authentic and honest portrayal of this unique culture and community, as well as the significance of the hobby to its members. The documentary will be filmed at Finnish demo events during the summer and autumn of 2024 and will serve as a culturally valuable record, making the demoscene visible to more than just its members.
What is demoscene?
The demoscene is an international community focused on the creation of demos, which are real-time audiovisual presentations that creatively combine programming, graphics, and sound. The phenomenon originated in the 1980s.
Since 2020, the demoscene has been included in the national inventory of living heritage. The next goal is to have it listed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Organisations
The project is implemented by the Finnish Postal Museum and the Tampere Historical Museums as part of their joint national responsibility task, specializing in communications, gaming, postal services, and digital life. The Finnish Museum of Games is particularly involved. All the exhibitions of the project museums are located in the Vapriikki Museum Center.
The “Preserving the Demoscene” project has received special funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland to support the accessibility and preservation of digital cultural heritage, services for public libraries, and the digitization of intangible cultural heritage.
Contact
For more information, contact Anne-Mari Musturi, project worker, Postal Museum, anne-mari.musturi@postimuseo.fi