The Europa Nostra project “European Cultural Heritage Agora: Empowering Europe’s Civil Society Movement for Heritage” (2022-2024), co-funded by Creative Europe, undertook a pivotal initiative through an online consultation aimed at harnessing the insights and perspectives of youth in shaping the future of cultural heritage in Europe. This consultation marked the inaugural step in engaging youth actively in discussions surrounding cultural heritage preservation. Complementing the online responses, in-depth interviews were conducted to delve deeper into the nuanced contributions of youth.
The extensive consultation process culminated in the collection, analysis, and curation of findings from diverse regions across Europe. These insights were meticulously compiled and presented in a dedicated issue of The ESACH Quarterly, the digital publication of the European Students’ Association for Cultural Heritage. Serving as a repository for the voices and visions of youth within the cultural heritage sector, this publication provides a platform for their meaningful engagement and contribution to shaping the cultural landscape of Europe for generations to come.
Through this initiative, Europa Nostra and Creative Europe have facilitated an inclusive and participatory approach to cultural heritage preservation, acknowledging the vital role that youth play in shaping the discourse and future direction of heritage conservation efforts. By amplifying the voices of young individuals and providing them with a platform to express their perspectives, the project fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth towards safeguarding Europe’s rich cultural heritage. This collaborative endeavour signifies a concerted effort to empower Europe’s civil society movement for heritage, ensuring its resilience and relevance in the face of contemporary challenges.
