CDA Standards Organization

The First International Organization Developing Open Standards for
Cultural Digital Infrastructure,
Physical Cultural Objects.

Independent stewardship for museums, archives, universities, foundations, artists, technology organizations and future generations.

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Physical Cultural Objects (PCO)

The CDA Standards Organization has officially adopted the following institutional terminology for physical works of art:

Physical Artistic Object (PAO)
PCO Candidate
Physical Cultural Object (PCO)

These terms establish the Organization's official conceptual vocabulary for the classification of physical artistic and cultural objects.

The Organization recognizes that the normative content of these categories—including definitions, evaluation criteria, evidence requirements, governance models, recognition procedures, and transition mechanisms—requires dedicated research before becoming part of an international standard.

This research is currently being conducted within the ANDRBEL Research Program, through DAP #0A, and will inform future versions of the CDA Protocol.

Upon completion of the research and subsequent protocol adoption, these standards will be available for voluntary use by museums, galleries, artists, collectors, auction houses, foundations, and other participants in the international cultural sector.

From Research to Global Cultural Infrastructure

To establish an independent international institution for the development, stewardship, and long-term evolution of open standards for Cultural Digital Infrastructure.