This Keynote speech describes a paradigm shift in concepts and political action in the cultural heritage sector, particularly visible in the guidelines and recommendations issued by the European Commission or the Council of the European Union.
It acknowledges that, even though the legal framework and decisions relating to the management of cultural heritage are a responsibility of each member state, these European guidelines and recommendations inspire, promote and call for changes in mentality, purpose and the revision of current legal frameworks, areas of action, including funding vectors.
In addition, it argues that conservation and restoration play a key role in the safeguarding of heritage by extending the life of heritage assets, making them accessible to the public, without compromising their authenticity and significance.
It concludes that the social and cultural impact of conservation and restoration can be fully realised when it is understood as a strategic element of this integrated management of value creation and sustainable planning that aims to protect and preserve the historical and physical integrity of cultural assets.
Overall, the keynote speech advocates for an integrated and holistic management of heritage, in which protection, safeguarding, interpretation, research and promotion are together employed in the creation of value and the amplification of the cultural and social values implicit in our heritage.
