The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences
Download
Share
Publications Copernicus
Download
Citation
Share
Articles | Volume XLVIII-M-9-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-9-2025-957-2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-M-9-2025-957-2025
02 Oct 2025
 | 02 Oct 2025

From Trash to Art: Crowdsourcing and the Bottom-up Heritagisation of Neon Signs in Hong Kong

Veronica Sau-wa Mak

Keywords: Crowdsourcing, Neon Signs, Heritagisation, Social Media, Emotion, Post-colonial Identity

Abstract. Despite growing interest, there is a lack of research on the impact of crowdsourcing and social media on heritage-making and conservation in post-colonial societies. To fill this gap, this article uses neon signs in Hong Kong as a case. It discusses the build-up of the artistic and heritage value of neon signs, which were formerly treated as ‘trash’ by the Hong Kong government, through a museum’s use of crowdsourcing to complement its existing collection and through local citizens’ social media networking activities. The article reveals a tension between the government, professions and local activists regarding the artistic and heritage value of neon signs and contributes to the debate on the meaning of heritage.

Share