We secure the past with future technology, preserving heritage for generations to come. Perfectly captured in professional scans, our cultural treasures find dual sanctuary: in the quiet, Arctic vault of AWA and in the eternal blockchain network. This innovative approach to offline archiving ensures that Polish art will be preserved and endured for centuries to come.

Bank Pekao S.A. has been associated with art almost since the beginning of its operations, possessing more than 1,200 works in its collection, including pieces by the most eminent Polish artists. As a patron of the arts, it makes them accessible and promotes them in the Virtual Gallery, museums, outdoor exhibitions, the mobile app, and even on credit cards. Since 2022, by utilising modern technological solutions, the bank has also been transferring its art to the digital world. It was in Pekao’s Private Banking division that the world’s first tokenisation of art in a universal financial institution took place.

The ARCHIV3 project uses several modern technologies to permanently secure Polish cultural heritage.

“ The ARCHIV3 project presents us with an opportunity to showcase the wide-ranging applications of new technologies. By combining online and offline archiving - specifically through blockchain and AWA - we aim to ensure the safety of valuable works of art for the next several hundred years. As art patron, we feel a responsibility to protect our cultural heritage for future generations. Through such projects, we emphasize the importance of preserving traditions while also thinking futuristically, as we aim to secure our artworks for a perspective of even 2000 years – Karolina Maciaszek, Manager in the New Technologies Team in Private Banking at Bank Pekao S.A.

— Karolina Maciaszek, Manager, New Technologies Team, Private Banking at Bank Pekao S.A. “

Advanced Digitisation Process

To achieve unparalleled accuracy, the paintings were digitised using the Fuji GFX 100S II camera, comparable in resolution to the Hasselblad H6D 400 MP. Key advancements included:

- Superior sensors: The Fuji camera's BSI sensor minimized noise compared to FSI technology.

- Precision optics: Schneider-Kreuznach and Rodenstock lenses were used with an electronic focusing rack to ensure sharpness and geometry.

- Custom lighting: RA >96 with 5400K lighting provided near-perfect uniformity (<1% variance).

- Color fidelity: Calibrite ColorChecker and Myiro-1 spectrophotometer created individual color profiles, achieving exceptional reproduction with dE2000 values of 1.2–1.67.

- Quality assurance: Images were verified on calibrated monitors to ensure the highest standard.

The raw TIFF files retained all details in ProPhoto RGB space with 16-bit depth, leaving room for future reinterpretations of the master files.

Role of Piql

Piql provided a seamless preservation process by writing the digital records onto piqlFilm, an ultra-durable, migration-free storage medium. Piql's technology ensures:

- Security: Offline storage eliminates cyberattack risks.

- Durability: piqlFilm withstands electromagnetic and radioactive exposure, guaranteeing data integrity for centuries.

- Simplicity: Self-contained and non-proprietary, piqlFilm allows straightforward future access without vendor lock-in.

The physical piqlFilm copies were deposited into AWA, located in the secure and naturally preserved environment of Svalbard, offering a geopolitical and environmental sanctuary for the artworks.

Why piqlFilm Was Chosen

The unique combination of durability and accessibility offered by piqlFilm made it the ideal choice for this initiative. Unlike traditional digital storage, piqlFilm preserves data in a secure, offline format while remaining migration-free. The AWA amplifies this security by adding natural protection from external threats, ensuring the survival of these masterpieces for generations.

The ARCHIV3 project exemplifies the potential of merging state-of-the-art digitisation and archival techniques to preserve humanity's cultural heritage. By safeguarding these artistic masterpieces today, we ensure their stories continue to inspire tomorrow.