During the event, together with the Academic Student Society for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, operating at the Institute of History of the Jagiellonian University, and the speakers, we will explore the theme of heritage that is unrecognised, underappreciated and all too often forgotten. The topics covered will relate to cross-border and multicultural phenomena, technological development and the intangible manifestations of tradition and identity.

This year’s edition of the conference “Recognising the Past in the Present” will focus on reflections on what constitutes typical and atypical heritage. This distinction will provide an opportunity to ask questions about objects whose protection is based on established institutional frameworks, and those which raise doubts and pose difficulties when attempts are made to preserve them. The issue of non-traditional heritage will also serve as a starting point for reflection on the limits of understanding the past and its tangible and intangible traces. Among the topics discussed will be perfumes and tattoos and their links to cultural identity, as well as endangered languages in Poland, the architecture of seaside resorts, the forgotten history of contemporary dance in Poland and the protection and conservation of historic public transport rolling stock.

The discussions will also address the difficulties involved in classifying and conserving heritage, its marginalisation and rejection, as well as ephemeral, performative and seasonal phenomena, which also bear witness to human cultural activity. The conference will focus on interdisciplinary approaches – from the fields of cultural heritage conservation, art history, law, anthropology, architecture, painting, sculpture and many others.

The event will take place in person in the Lanckoroński Hall (No. 39) of the Institute of Art History (Collegium Iuridicum) at the Jagiellonian University, at 53 Grodzka Street in Kraków. The conference programme will include both theoretical presentations and discussion panels, as well as guided tours.

Detailed conference programme (file)

Participation in the event is free of charge, and admission for the public is free.

Graphic design by Martyna Bojanowska; pictured from left: Szczecin’s Dźwigozaury (source: Pictografio), the Saturn V rocket used in the Apollo 11 mission (source: Jeffrey Schreier, istockphoto.com), the Bearded Men of Sławatycze (photo: Jacek Dyglewski).