25th Anniversary of prometheus
Out of Frame – 25 Years of prometheus between Structure and Vision
Twenty-five years ago, we developed the idea of prometheus and, one year later on 1 April 2001, launched the distributed digital image archive for research and teaching in art history and other image-based disciplines. Since then, prometheus has actively accompanied the transformation of the humanities in light of technological developments, driving and shaping change by providing vital impulses within the community. The regular prometheus conferences have always been a meeting place for visionary contributions and pioneering discussions. They not only advanced the innovative development of the image archive but also strengthened the prometheus community network and established prometheus as an important actor in building a national research data infrastructure for tangible and intangible cultural assets.
At our conference celebrating the 25th anniversary, entitled ‘Out of Frame – 25 Years of prometheus between Structure and Vision’ (30 September–2 October 2026), we will take a moment to look back with pride and pleasure, and then turn to key questions concerning the transformation of the humanities in the context of technological change. What is our vision for image-based research? In which direction should prometheus continue to develop? What must we change today, in the face of the disruptive impact of generative artificial intelligence, within humanities institutions if they are to remain relevant in the future?
We warmly invite you to ‘Out of Frame’ to discuss these questions with us, to network, and to help reshape today’s structures for tomorrow. SAVE THE DATE and celebrate with us next year the 25th birthday of prometheus in Cologne. Venue and programme to follow.
