Die Sammlung als Baustelle: Provenienzforschung im digitalen Dauerbetrieb

Provenance research does not end with the last archival reference – it often begins with the question: How do we visualise what we (do not yet) know? Since 2022, the Foundation for Art, Culture and History (SKKG) has systematically integrated provenance research on Nazi-era dispossessions into its digital strategy.

Since 2026, we shift the focus from presenting results to making research visible. Using Linked Data, we publish details of works and acquisitions alongside complete provenance chains, initial assessment reports and the current research status. In short, we show not only the result but also the path leading to it.

This keynote invites discussion on transparency, prioritisation in large collections, digital responsiveness, and how provenance research can be communicated as an open process of knowledge. For us, the Digital Collection is not a showcase, but a public work in progress.