Preserving Chile’s Musical Heritage: AI-Powered Platforms Lead the Way
A groundbreaking project at the University of the Americas (UAH) in Chile is leveraging artificial intelligence to safeguard and democratize access to the nation’s rich musical heritage. Daniela Fugellie, a researcher at the UAH Institute of Music, recently presented advancements in her project, “Intelligent and relational system for safeguarding and disseminating classical music heritage in Chile: case of the Teatro Municipal de Santiago.” This initiative, funded by the 2025 Interdisciplinary Applied Research Fund (FIIA), is building the first digital database of classical music concerts in Chile.
Building a Digital Archive of Chilean Music
The core of the project is a platform designed to explore, analyze, and disseminate information about Chilean musical life. Fugellie explains the system aims to capture key details of musical events: “What was played, who participated, where and when it occurred.” Currently, the platform houses over 4,000 concert programs and numerous biographies, offering research capabilities previously limited to specialists.
The FIIA funding has been instrumental in enhancing the platform’s capabilities. A key achievement is the formation of a multidisciplinary team, bringing together experts in engineering and musicology, alongside researchers and students. This collaborative approach has not only improved the platform but too laid the groundwork for its future development.
AI-Powered Search and Content Management
The project is incorporating a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence to revolutionize the search experience. Instead of relying on traditional repository filters, users will be able to engage in conversational searches and receive personalized recommendations. This shift aims to make the database accessible to a wider audience, including those without specialized musical knowledge.
AI is streamlining the process of content loading and classification. Tasks previously performed manually are now being assisted by AI tools that can read, organize, and suggest information more efficiently, accelerating the expansion of the repository. This represents a significant leap forward in the platform’s functionality.
The Rise of AI in Cultural Heritage Preservation
Fugellie highlights the unique benefits of the FIIA fund, noting its focus on applied research allowed for direct work on the platform, resulting in substantial progress. This project exemplifies a growing trend: the application of AI to preserve and enhance access to cultural heritage worldwide.
Similar initiatives are emerging globally. For example, Europeana, a platform for digital cultural heritage, utilizes AI to enrich metadata and improve searchability across millions of digitized items. The British Library is employing AI to transcribe historical documents, making them more accessible to researchers. These projects demonstrate the potential of AI to unlock hidden insights within vast cultural archives.
The Future of Interdisciplinary Research
The UAH project underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex challenges. The FIIA fund specifically encourages such partnerships, valuing the participation of students and external stakeholders. Francisco Pérez, coordinator of projects at the UAH Directorate of Innovation and Transfer, emphasizes the fund’s ability to transform research projects into concrete solutions.
The 2026 FIIA call for proposals is open to UAH academics, requiring teams of at least two individuals from different disciplines. The deadline for submissions is March 31st. Interested researchers can find more information at [email protected].
FAQ
Q: What is the main goal of Daniela Fugellie’s project?
A: To create a digital database of classical music concerts in Chile, making this information accessible to a wider audience.
Q: How is AI being used in this project?
A: AI is powering a chatbot for conversational searches and assisting with content loading and classification.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the FIIA fund?
A: Academics at the University of the Americas (UAH) working in interdisciplinary teams.
Q: What is the deadline for FIIA applications?
A: March 31st.
Did you know? The FIIA fund prioritizes projects that demonstrate a direct impact on society through applied research.
Pro Tip: When applying for interdisciplinary funding, clearly articulate how each discipline contributes to the project’s overall goals.
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