Exploring the Life and Career of Arran Rees: Museum Data Manager and Digital Cultural Heritage Expert
Arran Rees, a name that resonates with expertise in digital cultural heritage, museum collections management, and the intersection of technology and art, is a prominent figure in the world of digital archiving and museum practices. Known for his work as a Museum Data Manager at the Museum Data Service and as a Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, Rees has made significant contributions to the digital evolution of museum collections. His career and interests reflect a deep commitment to bridging the gap between traditional museum practices and the digital era.
Who is Arran Rees?
Arran Rees currently holds two prominent roles. He serves as a Museum Data Manager at the Museum Data Service, working diligently to assist museums in the UK with integrating their data into the Museum Data Service platform. This initiative seeks to provide accessible collections data for museums, thereby fostering a broader reach for museum collections to a global audience. Additionally, Rees is a Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, where he collaborates on the AHRC-funded Congruence Engine project. This project focuses on utilizing action research to help create a unified national collection of industrial heritage, collaborating with the Science Museum Group.
Arran Rees’ Work in Museum Data Management
Rees’ expertise lies in digital collecting, archiving practices, and digital museum collections management. As a Museum Data Manager, he is at the forefront of modernizing the way museums manage and share their collections. His role primarily involves helping museums upload their data onto the Museum Data Service platform, which facilitates better accessibility and usability of collections data. Through this work, Rees aims to enhance the transparency and availability of museum collections, promoting a more inclusive approach to cultural heritage.
His involvement in managing museum data also extends to digital asset management systems and cataloguing standards. At his previous position as the Collections Information & Systems Manager at the Victoria and Albert Museum, he oversaw the development of the museum’s collections management systems, which allowed for more efficient documentation and accessibility of their extensive digital archives.
Arran Rees and the Digital Museum Landscape
One of the primary interests of Arran Rees is the incorporation of digital practices into traditional museum methodologies. His doctoral research at the University of Leeds focused on museum collecting and digital cultural heritage. Rees explored how social media could be integrated into museum practices as a new form of collecting. His work demonstrated that digital platforms like social media provide a wealth of information and content that could be preserved and archived as part of the museum’s digital collection.
This forward-thinking approach has solidified his role in reshaping how museums and heritage institutions approach digital collecting. The world of digital archiving and collection management has expanded rapidly, with new forms of media and content emerging all the time. Rees advocates for the adoption of action research practices, which allows museum professionals to experiment with and refine methods that align more closely with the evolving landscape of digital heritage.
Professional Roles and Contributions
In addition to his academic and professional work in digital archiving, Rees is actively involved with the museum community. He is an executive committee member at ICOM UK (International Council of Museums, UK branch), where he has taken on various leadership roles. As the head of the Bursary Committee, he has worked to support emerging professionals in the museum sector and has been a driving force behind efforts to improve the accessibility of museum-related resources.
Through his role with ICOM UK and other professional associations like the Museums Association, Rees has been an advocate for the ethical use of digital technology in museum practices. His seminars and presentations often focus on how museums can responsibly use digital technologies, such as social media and AI, to improve the preservation and access to their collections while also considering the ethical implications.
The Congruence Engine Project
The Congruence Engine project, in which Rees is a Co-Investigator, is a pioneering initiative that uses computational techniques to create a unified national collection of industrial heritage. This project, funded by the AHRC and led by the Science Museum Group, aims to bring together heritage data from various museums and archives to create a more cohesive national collection. By using action research, the project explores how different museums can work together to digitize and share their collections in ways that were not possible before.
This project aligns perfectly with Rees’ research interests and his belief in the importance of digital collecting. It also reflects his commitment to bridging the gap between traditional museological practices and the demands of contemporary digital culture. His work with the Congruence Engine project is further evidence of his dedication to advancing the field of museum data management and digital heritage.
Arran Rees’ Personal Life and Marriage to Owain Wyn Evans
Outside of his professional career, Arran Rees is married to Owain Wyn Evans, a popular BBC presenter. The couple became engaged in 2013 in Las Vegas, marking the beginning of a high-profile partnership. While Owain is known for his work as a journalist and broadcaster, Arran has maintained a relatively low-profile personal life. However, their mutual support for each other’s professional endeavors is evident in their shared interests in the fields of media and culture.
Their wedding and personal life have occasionally garnered media attention, adding a personal layer to Arran Rees’ public profile. Despite being public figures, both Rees and Evans maintain a sense of privacy, focusing more on their professional achievements than personal matters.
The Influence of Arran Rees’ Work
Arran Rees’ work has significantly influenced how museums, galleries, and heritage institutions approach digital heritage and collections management. His contributions are instrumental in making museum collections more accessible, promoting ethical digital practices, and advancing the field of museum studies in the digital age.
His advocacy for digital archiving and his research into the ethical considerations of collecting social media content have positioned him as a thought leader in the museum community. Through his work, he has demonstrated the importance of adapting traditional museum practices to the modern world while preserving the essence of cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Arran Rees is a pioneering figure in the field of digital cultural heritage and museum collections management. His work in museum data management, research on digital collecting practices, and involvement in the Congruence Engine project have made him a prominent figure in the museum and heritage sector. As he continues to shape the future of museum practices through digital technologies, his legacy as a forward-thinking academic and professional is solidified.
Rees’ marriage to Owain Wyn Evans has also brought attention to his personal life, offering a glimpse into the private side of a man who has made significant contributions to the world of museums and digital archiving. His work continues to inspire museum professionals and cultural heritage institutions to embrace new technologies and innovative practices in their efforts to preserve and share our collective history.
