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The cultural fingerprint: what Sherlock can teach us about data

In a sector that places so much value on imagination and originality, it is striking how difficult it is to efficiently organize and share digital information about cultural offerings. Insights into audience reach, an overview of offerings, and substantiated policy-making are important ambitions within the cultural sector – but without a shared digital foundation, this often remains cumbersome and labor-intensive.

12 aug `25

The article “The Idea about Cultural IDs” advocates for the introduction of unique cultural IDs for performances, productions, creators, and organizations. These digital fingerprints can serve as a connecting link between various systems – from ticketing and planning to audience analysis and policy monitoring.

The idea of 'cultural IDs' is not new

Other sectors, such as the book industry with ISBN or retail with EAN codes, have been using standardized identification tools for decades. The cultural sector also has predecessors, such as the international DDEX standardization initiative in the music industry or the agreements made within DIP regarding ticket statuses and financial settlements in the performing arts. The added value is clear: less duplicate work, better data exchange, and more control over the impact of cultural offerings.

But standardization requires collaboration. Not only technically, but especially organizationally. Who manages the IDs? What definitions do we agree on? And how do we ensure that this new infrastructure is actually embraced by a critical mass?

This article not only substantiates the necessity of cultural IDs but also addresses the conditions for successful implementation. It is an invitation to the sector to engage in a conversation about a shared digital foundation that creates space for innovation, efficiency, and better decision-making.

Curious about the thought process and possible next steps?

Download the full article and read how unique cultural IDs can contribute to a future-proof, better-connected cultural sector.
The article is in English. 

Download 'The idea of Cultural ID's'

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