Home Research HOMEE Charter For Mega-Events in Heritage-Rich Cities Context matters

Context matters

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The different planning systems and institutional settings in place represent significant aspects, specifically in terms of what can or cannot be accomplished through mega-events in relation to heritage.

Consider thoroughly if and how to bid based on the characteristics of the urban context.

Right-size the contents of the mega-event to contribute to long term, sustainable development.

Mobilise mega-events to streamline political visions and consensus.

Re-use and adapt existing facilities when possible or design context-sensitive interventions

Decision-makers in heritage-rich cities shall consider thoroughly if and how to bid based on their specific conditions, potentials, size, socio-economic dynamics, infrastructure, accessibility and cultural heritage.

International agencies, along with national and local actors, should consider heritage-related opportunities, existing challenges and future projects as drivers of mega-event bidding and planning.

City actors and stakeholders should collectively and openly reflect upon what type of cultural or sport mega-event to target/bid for. They should prioritise the event that can best align with local context and aspirations.

An inclusive approach encompassing multiple heritage narratives can provide greater opportunities for mega-event planning to address diverse economic, social, cultural and environmental goals.

A mega-event can serve as an occasion to re-think the role of marginal areas and landscapes in urban, peri-urban and rural areas and establish new networks of places, people and practices.

The core strategies of the bid and subsequent plans can include underused historic areas or places not yet considered heritage but which are worthy of recognition and protection. Such sites can contribute to improving cultural life and spreading economic opportunities.

Mega-events and their contents should be right-sized in order to contribute to long-term heritage policies and place-based development.

City and regional actors shall effectively communicate the tangible and intangible heritage values and the expected impacts of including it in mega-event planning. They should articulate long-term benefits rather than concentrate only on short-term economic goals.

The promotion of digital participation in events can expand the audience and co-create culture. Still, organisers must be careful not to disconnect digital events from the meaning and authenticity of heritage spaces.

Mega-events can help streamline political visions and generate consensus while providing much-needed funding to improve cultural heritage.

Mega-events typically build momentum for investment. They can help leverage public funding and direct additional private support towards relevant heritage policy actors and agencies.

Using a mega-event to strengthen cultural and tourism activities requires policies that anticipate and mitigate the adverse effects of potential over-tourism, gentrification or drops in tourism. Mega-event planning should seek a balance of diversified economic activities.

Including local tangible and intangible heritage in cultural mega-events strengthens city image, perception and appreciation of its cultures on a broader scale.

A strong cultural policy vision along with dedicated digital tools can help citizens and visitors better understand and appreciate local cultural heritage , it can broaden heritage awareness and increase the engagement of local actors.

Re-using and adapting existing infrastructure and facilities or designing context-sensitive interventions can benefit from meaningful uses of places that have proved to be resilient over time.

City decision-makers and event organisers should survey existing infrastructure, facilities, temporary structures, and cultural places that can be potentially utilised, also by understanding their heritage values, local and regional roles and connections.

Planning officials should envision mega-event related projects within the evolution of the urban and regional landscape to reduce potential friction with heritage policy actors.

Decision-makers should acknowledge, on a variety of scales, outdoor historic sites, open-air public spaces, parks and landscapes that can host a number of events and activities to reinvigorate their use by local communities.