Pixelated Realities invites you to collaborate within the international project “Cross-Sectoral Platform for Research on Cossack Crosses of Odesa”, implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. In this project, we bring together digital documentation, historical research, and professional dialogue to make stone necropolis heritage more accessible for study and preservation.
Dialogue between the expert community and the public during the events we initiated and held demonstrated an interest in preserving memory. Questions from participants in our events showed how varied the paths to this subject can be: an interest in the city’s history, a desire to read inscriptions on gravestones, to understand the origins and forms of the crosses, or to document the condition of the monuments. We want this interest to develop into collaboration — with opportunities to share materials, ask questions, and contribute to the research.
How You Can Contribute to the Research
A digital database is more than a place to store models and photographs. Its research value grows when new information, clarifications, and expert interpretations are added to the existing materials. This is precisely the kind of collaborative work envisioned by the Repox-based platform.
By joining the research community, you will be able to:
- Help describe the inventoried crosses and refine their typology;
- Contribute information about the inscriptions, ornamentation, materials, and historical context of the monuments;
- Add information and photographs documenting the current condition of the crosses, including reports of damage;
- Discuss descriptions, suggest clarifications, and share materials from your own research;
- Join a group of researchers working to improve databases of historic stone necropolises in Odesa and Ukraine.
If you have field photographs, archival materials, observations, or questions about specific crosses, these can contribute to the collaborative research.
Join the research platform and complete the researcher form
Start with the Webinar: How to Work with the Digital Collection
On 30 September, the webinar “Kuialnyk Crosses in Repox: 3D Data, Metadata, and New Opportunities for Research” took place.
This is a starting point for getting to know the platform: the recording explains how the 3D models, photographs, and descriptions of the crosses are organised, how to search for and compare objects, and what materials can be added to their documentation. Particular attention is given to metadata — information about an object, its provenance, characteristics, and context that helps turn a digital model into a fully fledged research resource.
Continue with the Open Discussion on Heritage and Memory
On 7 October, the open discussion “The Cross as Memory: Historical Heritage and Contemporary Interpretation” took place.
For those interested not only in documenting monuments but also in questions of memory and contemporary understandings of heritage, this recording offers the next step in exploring the subject.
Watch the open discussion recording
Materials from the International Conference
On 8–9 October, the international conference “Stone Necropolises: A Roadmap for Reclaiming Identity” took place.
Its materials continue the series of events on researching stone necropolis heritage and developing collaboration around this subject.
View the conference recordings and materials:
- Day 1: “Research, Documentation, Digitisation, and Physical Preservation of Stone Necropolises”. Watch the recording
- Day 2: “Territory, Community, Cultural Space, Tourism, and Contemporary Interpretation”. Watch the recording
Research begins with interest and develops through the exchange of knowledge.
We invite you to become part of this work.
The international project “Cross-Sectoral Platform for Research on Cossack Crosses of Odesa” is implemented by Pixelated Realities PO in partnership with TALENT S.A. with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation.
