7^th Heritage Forum of Central Europe:

Responsibility & Renewal

4-5 September 2024

The 7th edition of the Heritage Forum of Central Europe is scheduled to take place from September 4th to 5th, 2024, at the premises of the International Cultural Centre in Kraków. Against the backdrop of the current situation in Ukraine and in commemoration of the anniversaries of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflict and the 1964 Venice Charter, this year's forum will convene under the theme "Responsibility & Renewal". Each day of the forum will focus on one of these themes, featuring three two-hour-long discussion panels and a keynote lecture.

The specific discussion panel topics include:

I. International criminal responsibility for crimes against cultural heritage

This panel will assess the international system of criminal responsibility for crimes against cultural heritage, examining its effectiveness 70 years after the establishment of the 1954 Hague Convention and 35 years after the adoption of its Second Protocol. The discussion will explore the complex legal and ethical considerations shaping contemporary discourse, reflecting on past achievements and seeking to enhance mechanisms for ensuring justice in this domain.

II. Who is (and who should be) responsible for heritage in Central Europe?

This panel aims to dissect the profound structural transformations in heritage stewardship across Central Europe over the past three decades, catalyzed by sweeping political and economic shifts. Participants will delve into the nuanced reconfiguration of heritage stakeholders and decision-makers, navigating the complexities of redefining their roles in a rapidly evolving landscape – from the burgeoning involvement of civil society to grappling with the responsibility of preserving "heritage without heirs".

III. Monument renewal 60 years after the Venice Charter

As we mark the 60th anniversary of its creation, the Venice Charter remains influential as the cornerstone for monument restoration guidelines. Despite its inception in vastly different circumstances, this panel is dedicated to meticulously assessing the enduring impact of this seminal document, probing its universality, and evaluating the viability of its principles amidst evolving conservation practices.

IV. Heritage as a tool for societal, cultural, and economic renewal

With an interdisciplinary approach, this panel aims to explore innovative strategies for harnessing heritage as a dynamic force for positive change in contemporary society. The discussion will focus on the multifaceted role of heritage in revitalizing communities, strengthening societal bonds, fostering identity, and driving economic benefits such as tourism, job creation, and local development.

V. Post-war heritage renewal in Ukraine

This panel is designed to showcase previous experiences valuable for crafting Ukraine's postwar heritage renewal strategy. By shedding light on successful initiatives and lessons learned, the aim is to outline the significant challenges anticipated throughout this transformative process and offer insights and potential solutions to navigate challenges effectively.

We invite all interested listeners to register: LINK to the Google form

Participation in the 7th Forum is paid: PLN 25 for students, PLN 100 for institutional researchers and working people.

The payment should be made via bank transfer to the account number: 18 1130 1150 0012 1269 6920 0001. SWIFT: GOSKPLPW. Please include "7th Heritage Forum" and your name.

In case of withdrawal from the conference, the fee will not be refunded.

We cordially invite everyone interested in the protection and restoration of cultural heritage to take part in this unique event. See you in Cracow!

Organiser:

  


Partners:
      


With the finacial support of: