Project Overview
ARCOMAP: Mapping the Rainbow Cultural Heritage in Tuscany is a research project that aims to address a significant gap in the public understanding and academic recognition of the heritage of the LGBTQIA+ history and culture in Tuscany.
At present, there is no comprehensive, interactive mapping that documents historical events, notable figures, and works addressing LGBTQIA+ themes across the region, nor one that actively highlights Tuscany’s diverse social and cultural landscape for both Italian-speaking and international audiences.
ARCOMAP will develop a free, open-source digital platform and mobile application, available in both Italian and English. These tools are intended to improve access to and foster greater appreciation of Tuscany’s LGBTQIA+ cultural and historical heritage. In addition to its public engagement focus, the platform is designed to serve as a valuable resource for further academic research into Tuscany’s historical and cultural landscape. Particular attention is given to ensuring accessibility for specific communities, including school groups, socioeconomically marginalised individuals, and older adults.
The creation of an open-access, multilingual platform dedicated to LGBTQIA+ history and culture, which will have both regional relevance and a transnational perspective, represents a groundbreaking undertaking in the Italian context.
Specific Objectives and Research Outputs
The project adopts a qualitative research approach, structured in three phases, each with distinct objectives.
- The first phase will involve a bibliographic review and the collection of existing data related to the intersection between the Tuscan territory and LGBTQIA+ cultural heritage. The opportunities presented by digital technologies are regarded as a strategic asset in rethinking and redefining Tuscany’s cultural heritage.
- The second phase will involve the development of technological tools and the establishment of a database based on contextual data. The project aims to enhance the knowledge and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community through appropriate technological solutions, contributing to the sustainable management, appreciation, and accessibility of the region’s cultural heritage. Priority is given to engaging the local population in cultural participation and ensuring the platform reaches specific communities, such as school audiences, socioeconomically marginalised groups, and the elderly. To this end, the project will develop an interactive website and a free mobile app, designed for universal accessibility. Both tools will feature a user-friendly graphical interface centred on territorial maps, allowing users to explore interactive digital content on LGBTQIA+ history and culture, and to virtually follow community itineraries across Tuscany through space and time.
- The third phase will focus on participatory data organisation, dissemination, and integration. To ensure the accessibility and relevance of the digital platform, ARCOMAP promotes the development of local networking solutions to support territorial cooperation. These networks will help redistribute tourist flows toward underrepresented areas and bring cultural offerings closer to local citizens in an inclusive and accessible manner. For this reason, the project also includes a training pathway, developed in collaboration with partner organisations, aimed at equipping users with the digital skills needed to overcome social and technological barriers. This training effort is essential to promoting the participation of groups often marginalised in national heritage and tourism narratives.