Over the past two weeks, a dynamic group of heritage professionals and students from around the world has been working closely with the island’s local communities. Through hands-on fieldwork and ethnographic research, they’ve explored how communities engage with their cultural heritage and how local initiatives contribute to its preservation and promotion.

This special event will showcase the results of their field research, offering insights into the role that local voices play in shaping the narratives and practices of heritage management. It is an opportunity to hear directly from participants about their experiences, findings, and reflections—and to learn how community engagement can enrich the global conversation around cultural heritage.

Now in its second year of in-person implementation on the island, the program places special emphasis on interaction with local cultural organizations. A central aim of the Summer School is to highlight, through the educational process, the work of local cultural institutions as case studies that can enrich the international dialogue on the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.

The Summer School is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Municipality of Paros, which has provided access to local venues, including the Dimitrakopoulos Building and the Municipal Library.

We warmly invite local residents, cultural professionals, and visitors to join us for this celebratory and insightful evening. Come meet the next generation of heritage managers, discover the rich cultural fabric of Paros through fresh perspectives, and take part in a growing dialogue on how communities shape their heritage futures.

Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Time: 20:00
Location: Dimitrakopoulos Building, Paroikia, Paros

We look forward to seeing you there!

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* By Ahmad Mohammed, PhD Researcher, Department of Archaeology, Durham University

Digital repatriation, referring refers to the return of cultural heritage in digital form and, has emerged as a pivotal innovation within digital humanities and heritage studies over the past decade (Poske 2024). Traditionally rooted in anthropological practices, digital repatriation has evolved to encompass diverse modes of reconnecting communities with ancestral heritage that has been displaced through the removal of cultural objects, utilizing photographs, audio recordings, 3D scans, virtual reality experiences, and online databases. This practice is fundamentally reshaping the landscape of cultural heritage management, museum curation, and archival practices by challenging traditional notions of ownership, stewardship, and access.

At its core, digital repatriation seeks to address the historical injustices that resulted in the displacement and appropriation of cultural objects during periods of colonialism, conflict, and globalization. Through digital surrogates, source communities are afforded renewed access to their material culture, linguistic traditions, and spiritual practices, often enabling revitalization efforts that strengthen cultural identity and continuity. Advances in digital technology offer transformative possibilities for democratizing access, fostering intercultural dialogue, and supporting community-driven heritage management.

However, digital repatriation is not without profound ethical, legal, and political dilemmas. Critics caution that without genuine power shifts toward originating communities, digital repatriation risks reinforcing colonial hierarchies under the veneer of technological progress (Lixinski 2020; Vapnarsky and Noûus 2021). The creation and circulation of digital surrogates, while offering symbolic returns, may simultaneously allow institutions to retain control over original artifacts, thus perpetuating structural inequalities.

Moreover, issues surrounding intellectual property rights, ethical data management, cultural sensitivity, and digital divides further complicate the landscape. Who controls the digital replicas? Who decides how they are accessed, interpreted, and shared? Can digital copies ever replace the spiritual and material significance of original artifacts? These questions remain at the heart of ongoing scholarly debates.

Understanding digital repatriation, therefore, requires a holistic exploration of its transformative potential, systemic risks, and the critical frameworks necessary for its ethical realization. This study examines both the promises and paradoxes of digital repatriation, emphasizing that truly decolonial digital practices must center the sovereignty, authority, and cultural values of source communities at every stage of the process.

Opportunities and Innovations

Digital repatriation initiatives have opened unprecedented opportunities for re-establishing connections between communities and their dispersed cultural heritage. The ability to access, interact with, and reinterpret heritage materials through digital means has empowered communities to reclaim narratives historically marginalized or misrepresented in institutional settings. Virtual museums, augmented reality exhibitions, and open-access repositories have emerged as platforms that democratize heritage access, facilitating intercultural understanding and knowledge sharing (Wikipedia 2023; Vapnarsky and Noûus 2021).

Moreover, community-led initiatives such as Princeton University’s “Naming and Claiming” project have demonstrated how Indigenous communities can actively participate in reauthoring the digital representation of their heritage (Young 2018). Platforms like Mukurtu offer customizable tools that allow for the imposition of cultural protocols, ensuring that sensitive materials are managed in accordance with traditional knowledge systems (Krupa and Grimm 2021).

Emerging frameworks emphasizing Indigenous data sovereignty (Owan et al. 2023) further enhance these opportunities, providing communities with the mechanisms to govern their digital heritage autonomously. Blockchain technologies and NFTs have also been explored as innovative methods for asserting Indigenous rights and “activating refusal,” allowing communities to control the circulation of their digital heritage and challenge exploitative practices (Feld 2023).

Importantly, projects like Sípnuuk, developed by the Karuk Tribe, exemplify how Indigenous-controlled digital archives can become vital spaces for cultural preservation, education, and intergenerational knowledge transfer (Hillman et al. 2017).

Challenges and Critiques

Despite the promising potential of digital repatriation, significant challenges persist that threaten to undermine its transformative aspirations. A major concern is the risk of “virtual restitution” replacing demands for the physical return of cultural artifacts. Scholars argue that offering digital surrogates without relinquishing ownership of original items can serve to placate repatriation claims without addressing the deeper injustices of colonial dispossession (Poske 2024; Open GLAM 2021).

Furthermore, institutional control over digital surrogates remains pervasive. Digitization often occurs within frameworks that prioritize institutional narratives and archival standards, thereby marginalizing Indigenous epistemologies and cultural protocols (Allahyari 2016; Vapnarsky and Noûus 2021). This dynamic perpetuates “digital colonialism,” wherein Western institutions retain authority over how digitized heritage is categorized, accessed, and interpreted.

The ethical risks associated with the digitization of sacred and sensitive materials also present critical challenges. Without robust community consultation and consent, digital repatriation can result in the unintentional exposure of knowledge that communities deem private or sacred (Leditschke et al. 2024).

Legal ambiguities surrounding ownership and copyright further complicate digital repatriation efforts. Institutions often assert intellectual property rights over digital representations, effectively creating new forms of dispossession and reinforcing “intellectual property imperialism” (Oruç 2023).

Moreover, digital divides continue to hinder equitable participation in digital repatriation initiatives. Many communities face barriers related to infrastructure, technological capacity, and digital literacy, limiting their ability to access, manage, and benefit from digital heritage (Shepardson 2023; Smith and Ristya 2023).

Ownership, Control, Ethical Governance, and Justice

The success of digital repatriation depends fundamentally on reconceptualizing ownership, control, and ethical governance. True digital repatriation must prioritize the sovereignty of source communities over their digital and physical heritage. This requires dismantling traditional hierarchies of knowledge production and curatorship that have historically marginalized Indigenous voices.

Frameworks such as Traditional Knowledge Labels (Local Contexts 2021) offer practical mechanisms for communities to assert cultural authority over digital content, specifying conditions of access, attribution, and usage. Community-led governance models based on principles of free, prior, and informed consent, reciprocal benefit, and cultural sensitivity are essential for ensuring that digital repatriation initiatives respect Indigenous legal and ethical systems (Owan et al. 2023).

Innovative approaches leveraging blockchain and NFTs provide additional tools for Indigenous communities to control the circulation of their digital heritage and resist unauthorized appropriation (Feld 2023). However, technological solutions must be embedded within broader frameworks of ethical collaboration and decolonial practice to avoid replicating existing inequities.

Justice in the context of digital repatriation demands more than technological fixes; it requires meaningful restitution, recognition of historical harms, and the establishment of equitable partnerships between institutions and source communities. As Sarr and Savoy (2018) argue, digital repatriation should complement, not replace, physical returns and broader decolonization efforts.

Ultimately, digital repatriation can serve as a powerful catalyst for restorative justice, cultural revitalization, and global solidarity. However, achieving these goals necessitates a sustained commitment to centering community agency, respecting cultural protocols, and challenging the legacies of colonialism embedded within heritage institutions and digital infrastructures.

Conclusion

Digital repatriation stands at the intersection of innovation and restitution, offering unprecedented opportunities to bridge historical divides and empower communities historically marginalized in cultural heritage discourses. As digital technologies increasingly permeate every aspect of cultural management, digital repatriation offers a means for Indigenous and source communities to reengage with dispersed heritage, revitalize endangered traditions, and assert cultural sovereignty in new and dynamic ways.

Nevertheless, digital repatriation is fraught with complexity. Access to digitized heritage, while important, cannot substitute for genuine restitution of physical objects nor can it rectify the profound harms caused by centuries of cultural dispossession. Without structural transformations in ownership, control, and governance, digital initiatives risk becoming superficial gestures that maintain institutional dominance under the guise of innovation.

True decolonization demands more than the proliferation of digital surrogates; it requires reimagining the ethical frameworks that underpin cultural heritage practices. Institutions must move beyond extractive models of stewardship toward equitable, consent-based collaborations that center the epistemologies, rights, and aspirations of source communities. This includes embracing Indigenous frameworks of knowledge governance, recognizing cultural protocols surrounding access and use, and committing to processes of physical restitution wherever possible.

The future of digital repatriation lies in forging partnerships grounded in trust, reciprocity, and mutual respect. Technology, when harnessed ethically, can serve as a powerful tool for restorative justice, cultural healing, and global solidarity. However, it must always be deployed in ways that prioritize community agency, ensure cultural continuity, and challenge the legacies of colonialism rather than perpetuating them.

As digital heritage practices continue to evolve, it is imperative that scholars, heritage professionals, and policymakers remain critically engaged, ensuring that digital repatriation becomes a catalyst for genuine empowerment and not merely a digital reflection of historical inequities. By centering the sovereignty and visions of source communities, digital repatriation can fulfill its transformative potential and contribute meaningfully to a more just and equitable heritage future.

References

• Allahyari, M. (2016). Digital Colonialism [Lecture and interviews]. Available at: https://morehshin.com/digital-colonialism/ 
• Feld, L. (2023). Activating Refusal: Exploring NFTs to Disrupt Colonial Heritage Systems. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 30(1), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527258.2023.2277794 
• Hillman, L.J., Hillman, L., Harling, A., Talley, B., & McLaughlin, A. (2017). Building Sípnuuk: A Digital Library, Archives, and Museum for Indigenous Peoples. Collection Management, 42(3–4), 294–316. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01462679.2017.1331870 
• Krupa, K.L. & Grimm, K.T. (2021). Digital Repatriation as a Decolonizing Practice in the Archaeological Archive. Across the Disciplines, 18(1/2). https://wac.colostate.edu/docs/atd/volume18/Krupa,Grimm.pdf
• Leditschke, A., Nichols, J., Farrow, K., & Brown, Q. (2024). The Ethics and Cultural Sensitivities of Data Management in Indigenous Cultural Heritage. Advances in Librarianship, 23–39. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020240000054003 
• Local Contexts. (2021). Traditional Knowledge Labels. [Online] Available at: https://localcontexts.org/tk-labels/ 
• Open GLAM. (2021). Decolonization and Indigenization. Open GLAM PubPub Platform. https://openglam.pubpub.org/pub/decolonization 
• Oruç, P. (2023). Who Holds Copyright in 3D Copies of Repatriated Cultural Heritage? Kluwer Copyright Blog. https://copyrightblog.kluweriplaw.com/2023/01/05/who-holds-copyright-in-3d-copies-of-repatriated-cultural-heritage/
• Owan, V.J., Ogar, J.O., et al. (2023). Indigenous Research and Data Management in Electronic Environments. In Advances in Information Quality and Management, pp. 342–362. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-7024-4.ch018 
• Poske, C. (2024). Digital Repatriation of Cultural Heritage. In The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Cultural Heritage and Conflict. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-67932-6_130-1 
• Sarr, F. & Savoy, B. (2018). Report on the Restitution of African Cultural Heritage: Toward a New Relational Ethics. https://www.about-africa.de/images/sonstiges/2018/sarr_savoy_en.pdf
• Shepardson, Britton L., et al. “Terevaka Archaeological Outreach (TAO) 2019 Field Report: Creating Digital Access to Cultural Heritage.” Rapa Nui Journal 32, no. 1 (2019): 118-134. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/rnj.2019.0003.
• Smith, E.C.H. & Ristya, R. (2023). Protection and Repatriation of Cultural Heritage: Digital Access and Indigenous Rights. https://doi.org/10.4467/2450050XSNR.22.025.17038
• Vapnarsky, V. & Noûus, C. (2021). Digital Repatriation, Amerindian Reappropriations. Journal de la Société des Américanistes, 107(1), 303–315. https://doi.org/10.4000/jsa.19794
• Wikipedia. (2023). Digital Repatriation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_repatriation
• Young, I. (2018). Naming and Claiming: Indigenous Language in Digital Repatriation. MW18: Museums and the Web 2018. https://mw18.mwconf.org/proposal/naming-and-claiming-indigenous-language-in-digital-repatriation/index.html 

The post Beyond Access: Rethinking Ownership, Justice, and Decolonization in Digital Repatriation Initiatives appeared first on The Heritage Management Organization.

The three-day event provided communities and stakeholders engaged in Greece’s living cultural heritage sector with the opportunity to present their activities and future plans while participating in hands-on experiences.

HERITΛGE participated in multiple ways to this celebration of Greece’s living heritage.  Theodosia Maroutsi, Greek Programs Manager and a member of the Living Heritage Network’s  Coordinating Committee welcomed the participants and moderated two sessions, including  one on the Network’s development and future prospects. Maria Gkirtzi instructed  the HERITΛGE workshop “Working on the Narrative Interpretation of Living Cultural Heritage”,  while two HERITΛGE project’s AHEAD and EMPATHS were also featured in the event with prominent posters. 

Last but by no means least, on the occasion of the Meeting HERITΛGE launched a Training Needs Assessment Survey to gather insights into the training needs of individuals engaged in intangible cultural heritage and the broader cultural sector in Greece. Take the survey here.

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Guests were treated to a kora performance by Jali Foday Jobarteh while an exhibition of Gambian art was held alongside the event, organized in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Visual Arts Association.

The celebration was part of HerMaP Gambia, a capacity-building initiative co-funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) in collaboration with local stakeholders. Since its inception in 2020, HerMaP Gambia has focused on empowering local communities, building institutional capacities, and fostering sustainable economic development through cultural heritage.

The ceremony was attended by government representatives, members of parliament, EU officials, and cultural leaders. Opening remarks from HERITΛGE representatives set the stage for the event, followed by a keynote address delivered by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Seedy Njie. A presentation on the results of HerMaP Gambia highlighted its significant achievements, including 18 workshops, the training of over 200 individuals, and the awarding of more than 450 certificates of participation. The initiative has also supported over 10 community-based projects focused on intangible heritage, built heritage, sustainable tourism, and cultural industries.

A key moment of the event was the certificate presentation, where participants were recognized for their dedication to heritage preservation and management. Testimonials from trainees, including Fatima Muloshi and Mamat Sallah, provided personal insights into the impact of the training on their work and communities.

“It is a unique occasion and an honor for us to celebrate The Gambia’s heritage with all of you—the keepers of that heritage.” said Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis, HERITΛGE Director

While Lumana Kamashi from the Delegation of the European Union to The Gambia pointed out to the guests and trainees that “the cultural heritage sector in The Gambia country has strong synergies with other industries, such as tourism and the creative arts.” 

“Your efforts will ensure that future generations take pride in their heritage while embracing the opportunities of a more interconnected world,” she added. 

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Over the past decade, Syrian news has been filled with sorrowful reports of looting, destruction, and random shelling. The situation worsened when terrorist groups took control and carried out large-scale demolitions—most notably, the bombing of landmarks in the ancient city of Palmyra.

Since the fall of the brutal al-Assad regime in December 2024, Syria has entered a new phase filled with both challenges and hope for restoring its cultural and archaeological heritage. This heritage is a vital part of the Syrian people’s national identity and rich history, yet it has suffered from over 14 years of conflict, neglect, and destruction. This article reviews the current state of Syrian antiquities, the changes following recent political shifts, and the prospects for the future under the new administration.

Temple Bel before its destruction on 30 August 2015

Just two months after the brutal regime’s collapse, public spaces across Syria have become hubs of activity. Diplomatic efforts and political moves are underway to build a new state based on justice and equality, with the new administration embracing tolerance and moving past old divisions.

This renewed principle extends to the cultural heritage sector as well. Efforts are now underway to restructure this field, and the new administration’s keen interest is evident from the recent phases of liberation—starting from the northern regions toward Aleppo and then moving southward toward the capital, Damascus. In these areas, what was known as the Military Operations Administration has actively worked to protect Syrian museums and archaeological sites by deploying special forces to guard museums and other significant buildings in the liberated cities. Subsequently, a specialized director was appointed to lead the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums and manage the sector, even though the position of Minister of Culture remains vacant—a clear indication of the special attention being paid to the cultural heritage sector.

Despite the general atmosphere of optimism—fueled by these administrative steps taken by the new government to support and enhance the museum and archaeological sectors—many reports paint a discouraging picture of the archaeological sector in different parts of the country. One major concern is the rising use of metal detectors for finding precious metals. These devices, which were once banned under the fallen regime, are now widely advertised on social media in various specifications and types. Consequently, some groups or individuals, driven by the lure of quick wealth, have hastily begun using these devices, and their use is spreading—particularly in the central and southern provinces.

Confirmed reports show a surge in illegal digging for gold using these devices in areas such as the countryside of Hama, northern Aleppo, the Damascus countryside in Eastern Ghouta, and further south in the provinces of Daraa and Quneitra. These reports harken back to the peak period of looting and indiscriminate excavation that afflicted Syrian cultural heritage sites during 2013–2014—in cities like Apamia, Mari, and Dura-Europos—where every meter of these ancient sites was ravaged. Many of these sites, are already on the World Heritage List or being considered for it, prompting UNESCO in 2013 to reclassify all registered Syrian sites onto the “List of World Heritage in Danger.” This list includes the cities of Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, Bosra, Qal’at al-Hosan, Saladin, and the so-called “Dead Cities” in northwestern Syria.

Umayyad Mosque in the heart of the ancient city of Damascus

Regarding violations against museums, most incidents occurred during the early days following the collapse of the fallen regime, particularly in Syria’s coastal provinces. In Tartus, for instance, the Tartus Antiquities Directorate building was stormed—the doors were smashed and equipment stolen—although the museum itself remained guarded. Similarly, at the citadel of Arwad island, a break-in led to the theft of 38 archaeological artifacts and equipment. In the citadel of Al-Maraqib, the visitor center was breached, showcases were smashed, and various items were stolen. In the ancient Phoenician city of Amrit, illegal excavations have reportedly looted the tombs area.

Moving from the west to the far east of Syria, the transition of power took on a harder tone, although it also saw widespread looting and pillaging of all government institutions in the city of Deir ez-Zor following the withdrawal of the fallen regime’s forces and the subsequent takeover by the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces. In response, we—as volunteers—assembled a team to protect the museum and prevent theft or arson from affecting its buildings and warehouses, and fortunately, we succeeded.

The Deir ez-Zor National Museum, which once housed more than 21,000 archaeological artifacts, now finds itself in a critical state due to the ravages of war and neglect. Although most of its collections were safely transferred to Damascus during the crisis, the museum’s infrastructure is rapidly deteriorating. Damage is evident in broken windows and malfunctioning drainage systems that allow water to seep into the walls and foundations, as well as in the exhibition halls that have remained closed since 2012—displaying clear signs of neglect, with cracks in the roof, shattered windows, and remnants of display decorations or ornamental pieces left exposed to dust. The warehouses have been closed for years, and the condition of the stored archaeological and pottery pieces is unknown, given that the museum was previously used as a base by the forces of the fallen regime and by Iranian militias active in the area, not to mention the existence of several tunnels around the building.

The Damascus National Museum—considered the crown jewel of Syrian museums, the largest and richest in terms of artifacts and archaeological collections—is currently secure despite attempts by thieves to breach it on the night of the regime’s collapse. Thieves entered from the museum’s parking area beneath the building, triggering minor fires that were quickly brought under control thanks to the efforts of the guards and staff; however, all vehicles belonging to the Antiquities Directorate were stolen. Security personnel are now stationed at the museum to ensure its protection, and the visitors are permitted to access the museum’s garden and its outdoor exhibits.

The magnificent facade of Qasr Al Heer in the National Museum of Damascus

The triumph of the Syrian revolution stands as one of the most significant events in contemporary Syrian history—a development that has touched all Syrian citizens and even extended its impact to neighboring and regional countries. Transitioning from the dark era of the Assad family’s rule, which lasted more than 50 years, to a state of normalcy—especially in the cultural heritage sector—is a challenging process in practical terms, given the numerous obstacles it faces. Issues such as weak national and international funding, a shortage of qualified personnel for reconstruction projects, and the loss of many vital documents and records have slowed this transition somewhat. Nevertheless, it is heartening that the events of the regime’s fall exceeded expectations and were far more positive than those in neighboring countries. This success provides a firm foundation upon which to rebuild the antiquities sector through the concerted efforts of Syrians both within and outside the country—a process that is already underway. The General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums is now holding intensive, regular meetings with specialists and archaeologists from various segments of society, both in Syria and abroad, to mobilize efforts and develop a comprehensive strategy for reviving the antiquities sector and addressing the significant challenges that require both national and international support.

Khaled Hiatlih is a Near Eastern archaeologist and cultural heritage specialist with 15 years of experience in the archaeological field in Syria. He has participated in many international projects and led initiatives specializing in cultural heritage documentation and the digitization of cultural properties and museum archives. Khaled has worked on heritage projects across Syria, including the rehabilitation of the Folk Museum (Azem Palace) in Damascus and the Syrian Mosaics Documentation Project.

Dedicated to the preservation of Syrian cultural heritage, Hiatlih has been tracking the illicit trafficking of Syrian archaeological artifacts and documenting the damage to Syrian heritage since the crisis started and has participated in cultural initiatives to raise public awareness and protect endangered Syrian heritage as a part of global human heritage.

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ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

Elektra Angelopoulou /Photo by Thalia Galanopoulou

 

HERITΛGE in collaboration with the Archaeological Museum of Messara is very pleased to announce that artist Elektra Angelopoulou has been selected as the artist to create a participatory work of art as part of the AHEAD (Accessible Heritage Experience for Audience Development) project.

AHEAD is co-funded by the EU’s Creative Europe program and aims to transform how the public interacts with cultural heritage by providing heritage managers with the tools to create new participatory and inclusive experiences. The project brings together three cultural heritage sites in Greece, Italy and Spain, where selected artists will collaborate with local communities to create experiential works of art. 

Elektra Angelopoulou has a rich background in archaeology and the performing arts and was chosen among dozens of artists, originating from or residing in Crete, to work with the project’s Greek hub to create an innovative and participatory art project at the Archaeological Museum of Messara. Through this work, Electra will explore new ways of experiencing and connecting with cultural heritage.

The artist will collaborate with two key target groups: primary school students and the local community. Through a series of co-creation workshops, structured using the ACED (Audience-Centered Experience Design) methodology, she will develop a participatory work of art that strengthens the public’s connection to the museum and its heritage.

The goal is to create an open and participatory experience, which will highlight the archaeological site as a living, creative space where history meets the present.

“My intention, every time I come into contact with an archaeological site, is to show what some of us ‘see’ in our imagination when we look at stones, vases, soil, sculptures – that is, an entire world – to those who have not been able to see it that way until now,” the artist says. “Museums and archaeological sites are changing, turning towards local communities and taking steps to become an integral, living part of them. In this context, my goal is to connect people with the object.”

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Our latest project in war-torn Ukraine has recently completed its first semester. Developed in collaboration with the Kharkiv School of Architecture (now relocated to Lviv) and Skeiron, a Ukrainian organization specializing in 3D documentation, this initiative addresses the urgent need to protect Ukraine’s architectural heritage by establishing an architectural conservation course for students at the Kharkiv School of Architecture. Additionally, it provides training for educators from architectural schools across Ukraine, enabling them to establish similar curricula in their own institutions. As part of the training process, the project will also contribute to creating documentation and conservation plans for monuments in western Ukraine.

The project kicked off on September 27, 2024, with a panel discussion on “Planning for the Post-War Rehabilitation of Ukraine’s Architectural Heritage.” Hosted at the Kharkiv School of Architecture’s Lviv campus, the event brought together leading Ukrainian and international experts in heritage preservation. The discussion set the stage for a two-year program packed with practical activities and tangible outcomes.

• Training the Next Generation of Heritage Architects. Central to the project is its commitment to nurturing a new generation of heritage architects. Spanning two academic years and four semesters, the program will engage two groups of architecture students from across Ukraine in immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Participants will gain practical expertise in 3D documentation, architectural analysis, conservation assessment, international conservation standards and understanding local legal frameworks. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the complex demands and challenges of heritage preservation in a post-war context.
• Worldwide Expertise, Local Impact. As the project thrives on collaboration, its series of international webinars, lectures and events fosters dialogue between Ukrainian and global experts in heritage documentation and conservation. These public sessions are open to students, professionals, and educators, offering invaluable insights into the latest techniques and best practices. In the first semester alone, the project hosted three engaging webinars featuring outstanding speakers and practical discussions. Recordings of these sessions are available here, ensuring that the knowledge and expertise shared can reach an even wider audience.
• Learning by Doing: Digital Documentation Internships. One of the standout components of the project is its winter internship program. Under the guidance of Skeiron, students will step into the field to digitally document selected heritage sites. Using advanced tools like photogrammetry and laser scanning, they will transform raw data into actionable resources for conservation efforts. By the end of their internships, students will have created high-quality datasets ready to support heritage conservation projects across Ukraine.
• Empowering Educators. Recognizing that lasting change begins in the classroom, the project also offers specialized training for Ukrainian educators and researchers in the fields of architecture and heritage conservation. Through workshops and collaborative sessions, participants explore teaching methodologies and practical approaches to 3D documentation, heritage analysis, and conservation planning. Guided by leading Ukrainian and international experts, this training will equip the participants to develop and integrate heritage preservation courses into their institutions, ensuring the knowledge is passed on to future generations. The next course is set to begin on January 27, 2025. Interested participants can apply until January 6, 2025, by completing the application form available here.

Fall Semester Progress

The first semester of “Architectural Heritage Preservation in Times of War: The Ukrainian Model” brought together 30 highly motivated architecture students —20 from the Kharkiv School of Architecture and 10 from cities across Ukraine, including Kherson, Odessa, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Lviv, and Chernivtsi.

The curriculum focused on equipping the participants with both the theoretical understanding and hands-on skills needed to digitally document Ukraine’s built heritage. The semester’s highlights included: mastering 3D mapping and surveying tools, applying spatial data for heritage management, and creating high-resolution 3D documentation.

The course was carefully tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Ukrainian heritage professionals. By integrating lessons from the country’s past experiences and current realities, the program ensured that students could immediately apply their learning to real-world scenarios.

The knowledge and skills gained during the first semester will be put to the test as students embark on winter internships, set to begin on January 20, 2025. During these internships, participants will engage in hands-on fieldwork, live demonstrations, and practical applications of the techniques they’ve learned. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, they will scan and document selected heritage sites under the expert supervision of Skeiron LLC. These real-world experiences will not only solidify their training but also contribute to the preservation of Ukraine’s invaluable architectural heritage.

This semester’s accompanying webinars and public events were attended by hundreds of participants from around the world and are still gaining views online. 

Looking Ahead

In the second semester, the students will explore the historical and technical underpinnings of conservation. The training for educators will significantly expand the impact of the project. The additional public events promise even more opportunities for the real-world application of innovative techniques and for strengthening Ukraine’s capacity for sustainable preservation of heritage. 

Stay tuned for more updates as “Architectural Heritage Preservation in Times of War: The Ukrainian Model” continues to make a tangible difference in preserving Ukraine’s architectural legacy.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the project team at info.ua@heritagemanagement.org 

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Training

HERITΛGE celebrated a record-breaking milestone in 2024, training over 1,000 heritage caretakers in a single year. Participants engaged in a wide range of programs, including three-day workshops conducted online and in person, two annual summer schools focusing on digital tools and community engagement, and specialized training tailored to specific regions, topics and organizations. These included programs on Street Art in The Gambia (which also produced a new mural for the country’s National Centre for the Arts and Culture), Heritage interpretation in Rwanda, Project Management for US Heritage Managers, and an introduction to Fundraising and Project Management in Iraq.

Heritage Threatened by Conflict, Natural Disasters, and Climate Change

HERITΛGE continued its mission to protect heritage at risk worldwide, strengthening existing partnerships and forging new ones. In Ukraine, the Digital Museum project that was funded by the Creative Europe’s Culture Helps initiative, trained museum professionals to use digital tools, ensuring operational continuity and community access during wartime. Simultaneously, the two-year Architecture in Times of War: The Ukrainian Model  initiative – delivered in cooperation with the Kharkiv School of Architecture and Skeiron and the support of the US Embassy in Kyiv –  is equipping students and educators with digital skills to document, preserve, and restore architectural heritage.

In Türkiye, HERITΛGE published comprehensive reports documenting historic sites affected by the February 2023 Türkiye-Syria earthquakes. These reports include protection recommendations and advocate for enhanced cultural heritage recovery in affected provinces. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, a new project launched to safeguard the early Buddhist heritage of the Swat Valley, an area under threat from conflict, climate change, and rapid development. In Yemen, efforts continued to preserve the unique earthen architecture of Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site struggling under the weight of a decade-long civil war.

HERITΛGE in Africa

The HerMaP Africa initiative, generously supported by the Mellon Foundation, has delivered significant impact. Over 75 small heritage projects received funding, alongside the awarding of several fellowships and the training of more than 370 heritage managers in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda. New partnerships were also established to further these efforts. In The Gambia, HERITΛGE’s ongoing HerMaP Gambia initiative, co-funded by the European Union, provided training to enhance the country’s culture and tourism sectors. The program also facilitated a parliamentary delegation study tour in Greece and partnered with the NCAC to launch the country’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Register, a project supported by UNESCO.

Giving Heritage Managers New Tools

HERITΛGE made strides in empowering heritage managers with innovative tools and practices. The EU-funded SHIFT project advanced its work to make heritage more accessible and inclusive, with a consortium meeting and project presentation held in Athens. The AHEAD initiative, co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe program, introduced seminars (now available online) and launched a community-based artistic project in Crete, with similar activities planned for Italy and Spain. HERITΛGE also announced the launch of EMPATHS, a project designed to promote participatory heritage interpretation through new tools and training resources.

Creating Networks, Connecting Professionals

Collaboration and community-building remained central to HERITΛGE’s mission in 2024. The organization continued developing Greece’s Living Heritage Network, supported by the Ministry of Culture, with HERITΛGE actively contributing to its digital and physical infrastructure, member recruitment, and communications. Additionally, the newly established AHEAD Network brings together heritage managers and community members who share a vision of audience engagement and participation.

Knowledge Sharing

HERITΛGE emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing through active participation in global events and publications. Director Dr. Evangelos Kyriakidis delivered a keynote at the Choc Des Legendes Conference in Ghana, held under the auspices of the country’s First Lady. The organization also sponsored PastForward 2024, the annual conference of the US National Trust for Historic Preservation. Other highlights included workshops and presentations at the 30th Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists and the ReImagining Public Collections conference in Hungary.

HERITΛGE contributed to a Horizon Europe-funded policy brief on digital cultural heritage and shared expertise through webinars, seminars, and public lectures. Notable online resources include audience development webinars from the AHEAD initiative and webinars on architectural preservation in Ukraine.

1st Global Staff Summit

Reflecting the growth in HERITΛGE’s activities and team, the organization hosted its inaugural Global Staff Summit in September. This online event brought together staff working in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas , marking the beginning of an annual tradition to foster collaboration and alignment across our expanding network.

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HERITΛGE is proud to be part of the SHIFT project, collaborating with 12 partners, including heritage organizations, universities, research centers, and private businesses. Together, we aim to make cultural heritage more accessible, inclusive, and engaging by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and haptics.

This year, the project has delivered two important publications, both available for free download:

Inclusion in Museums: A Collection of Best Practices
Produced by the Balkan Museum Network (BMN), this e-book showcases best practices for fostering inclusion in museums across the Balkans. The publication features insights from heritage experts on implementing inclusive strategies, highlighting successes, identifying challenges, and outlining steps for future progress. An audiobook version will be available soon.

Promoting Inclusive Innovation in Digital Technologies for Heritage Preservation
SHIFT, along with four sister projects funded under Horizon Europe’s 2021 call for proposals (Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity & Inclusive Society), has released a collaborative policy brief. This document provides actionable recommendations for policymakers to address expertise gaps, enhance digital education, and promote inclusion within the cultural heritage sector. Download the policy brief to learn more.

SHIFT is funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, Cluster 2: “Culture, Creativity & Inclusive Society,” which focuses on innovative research in European cultural heritage and the cultural and creative industries.

Stay tuned for more SHIFT updates and developments in 2025!

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Over three days in October, fifteen heritage professionals joined our online workshop to learn more about engaging communities in heritage. Community engagement is one of the key strategies in heritage management and allows

HERITΛGE’s Aris Anagnostopoulos and  Eleni Stefanou along with the Organization’s Director, Evangelos Kyriakidis, led the workshop, each working with participants on a different section and drawing on case studies from participants’ own work.

After an introduction into how local perspectives are essential in heritage conservation, participants explored the idea of values and examined how the values tied to heritage by the local community make these communities essential stakeholders in safeguarding the knowledge and importance of heritage sites. Over the course of the workshop, participants also learned techniques for engagement through ethnographic research, values identification, collaborative design and representation of the whole community, looking at case studies from around the world and in different types of sites.

“What I liked most about this course was how it showed the importance of involving communities in preserving heritage,” said eter Adewale Jegede, Curator at Nigeria-based On Your Mark. “I now have a better understanding of how to build trust, encourage collaboration, and ensure that heritage initiatives are inclusive and sustainable. This knowledge will help me design projects that respect community perspectives and create stronger connections between people and their cultural heritage.”

Ibrahim Hassan Gafar Ali Fadolr, Director at University of Nyala Centre for Darfur Heritage said that “Major benefits of this training course shall be used in better planning, implementation and review of performance in dealing with communities with different backgrounds, cultures and linguistic variances. ”

“We were lacking skills of how to bring communities at odd to work jointly together to achieve success on behalf of everyone,” he added. 

HERITΛGE offers regular 3-day workshops on Community Engagement in Cultural Heritage, as well as an annual Summer Field School, held in Greece and online. 

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