Sustainable Digital Conservation of Local Performing Arts: A Model for Preservation, Innovation, and Audience Engagement

This study aimed to investigate how digital technology integration, community participation, and innovation in performance formats influence the sustainable digital conservation of local performing arts, with a specific focus on Choy Li Fut martial arts. It also explored the mediating role of perceived authenticity and the moderating effect of digital literacy in enhancing preservation effectiveness and audience engagement. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected from 213 respondents, including Choy Li Fut martial arts teachers, learners, and digital experts. Using structured surveys, the data were analyzed through SmartPLS and SPSS to perform descriptive statistics, as well as mediation and moderation analyses. The results showed that digital technology integration, community participation, and innovative performance formats significantly enhanced both preservation effectiveness and audience engagement. Perceived authenticity was found to mediate these relationships, and digital literacy positively moderated the effect of perceived authenticity on both dependent variables. This research offers a novel framework for understanding digital conservation through a culturally rich lens, linking modern technology with traditional arts. The findings provide valuable insights for educators, cultural policymakers, and digital content developers in designing more engaging and authentic digital heritage preservation strategies for endangered local performing arts.