Microsoft, Museum of Art & Photography create AI-powered platform for linking artworks, cultures

Pune: Microsoft and the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bengaluru have launched a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform for connecting artworks and cultures around the world. The platform, Interwoven, was developed as part of Microsoft’s AI for Cultural Heritage initiative, which leverages technology to aid people and organisations dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of art and culture. This is the first such project under this initiative in India.

“After the pandemic, a primary aspect of our mission is to use the digital realm to connect with people across the country, and the world. We’re rethinking the idea of museums. They cannot be mere repositories of objects. MAP will not just be a collection of objects, but a space for ideas and conversations that are initiated through our collections. Interwoven fits securely within this vision,” said Kamini Sawhney, director, MAP.

Previous projects under the initiative have involved improving accessibility through the Open Access collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the digital restoration of ‘Ancient Olympia’, in collaboration with the Government of Greece.


"Our approach to AI centers around meaningful innovation and this project beautifully allows art to be more accessible and inclusive for people around the world. We stay committed to using technology to help celebrate and preserve culture as part of our AI for Cultural Heritage initiative,” said Rohini Srivathsa, National Technology Officer at Microsoft India.

Users can opt for either curated journeys, which will allow them to view predefined journeys, or custom ones, where they can explore the platform on their own.

The MAP Academy, who are the knowledge partners of INTERWOVEN have been leading the research and curated content of the project along with Microsoft.