On 11 June 2024, the European Heritage Hub hosted its inaugural ‘Heritage Dialogues’, the first meeting of the Hub’s Community of Interest. Under the title ‘Cultural Heritage for an Inclusive and Democratic Europe’, the online event brought together key voices from across the European and international cultural heritage sector and attracted over 180 participants. It was moderated by Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra and Project Leader of the Hub.
The event opened with remarks from Carlos Moedas, the Mayor of Lisbon and former European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, and Irina Bokova, former Director General of UNESCO. Mr Moedas noted the outcomes of the recent European elections and stressed that heritage cannot be used to divide but should be a tool to unite. Ms Bokova seconded this, reminding the participants that culture and heritage are not just catalysts for economic and social development, but they also make our societies more peaceful, harmonious and inclusive places to live.
These opening remarks gave way to a panel discussion featuring prominent actors in the European heritage sector, including Pâquerette Demotes-Mainard, Director of ACTA VISTA, France; Normunds Popens, Deputy Director-General of DG EAC, European Commission; and Maria Luz Martínez Seijo, Member of the Spanish Congress, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Culture, Education and Democratic Values of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
From her grassroots work at ACTA VISTA, Ms Demotes-Mainard explained that when people are in precarious situations, they need to be entrusted with responsibilities and entrusting them with heritage has a proven track record in furthering inclusion.
Turning to the institutions and policy making, Mr Popens added that the EU – built on respect for diversity – must ensure that cultural heritage has a key place in the decision making process. While Ms Martínez Seijo emphasised the importance of education and heritage can lead to critical thinking which further supports our democracy and inclusive societies.
The webinar also provided a key moment where the voices of the grassroots could be heard and shared during discussions in three breakout sessions on inclusion, democracy and cultural citizenship.
- On Inclusion, moderator Cristina Garzillo (ICLEI), led a discussion that broached the subject of shaping communities through culture, and how it can play a role in inspiring people and shaping ideas. The breakout session concluded that this can only be done when people are actors and given the chance to engage and feel included. Bridges must be built to reduce exclusion, and culture and heritage can be used to inform and inspire participation.
- For Democracy, Marshal Marcus (European Union Youth Orchestra), asked whether heritage can strengthen democracy. Discussion gave way to the understanding that while culture can bring people together, it can also divide, and so emphasis must be placed on the former. Is it up to heritage stakeholders to ensure that the models and the process exist to support this, and education can play a key role.
- Finally, for Cultural Citizenship, Jimmy Jamar (Europa Nostra) guided discussion on the possibility of a civic identity rooted in culture, which unites irrespective of place of origin. The participants agreed it is possible, but a concrete action and learning process is needed to establish it, and emphasis must be placed on ensuring the inclusivity of such a concept.
Across the entire discussion key themes remained constant, including the importance of: heritage and education; heritage as a means for engagement; the needs for active heritage stakeholders; and the creation of safe spaces for cultural dialogue.
About the ‘Heritage Dialogues’ Webinar Series
This webinar was the first in a series, each aligning with the five pillars of the European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage and a sixth to address cultural heritage in EU neighbouring countries, including the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Caucasus. The insights from these discussions first Dialogue will guide the future direction of the Hub’s EU-funded pilot project. This second webinar is planned for September 2024 (TBC) and will address cultural heritage in EU neighbouring countries, including the Western Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and the Caucasus.
The series is open to the Hub’s Community of Interest, welcoming both heritage and non-heritage professionals with an interest in cultural heritage and its impact across various sectors. To stay updated on future initiatives and opportunities, subscribe to the Community of Interest here. Additionally, our Community of Practice is tailored for heritage professionals.
