Community engagement has become an integral part of the public programs of heritage institutions worldwide. Over time, diverse methodologies and best practices have emerged to effectively involve the wide array of communities and audiences served by these institutions. However, uncritically applying standardized “toolkits” for engagement may not be the most ethical way to honour cultural differences in this field.

During this 3-day workshop, we aim to develop a different approach to community engagement based on social (and art) research with community-led initiatives.

By adopting a research-led approach, we can foster collaborative design and actions that truly resonate with the unique cultural and social dynamics of each specific group or community, as well as their interactions with others. Drawing from our extensive experience in community engagement within the heritage sector, we will share numerous examples from our own work and other notable projects.

Throughout the workshop, participants will delve into the context of community engagement in the realm of heritage. We will explore methodologies grounded in ethnography and oral history, while also engaging in practical exercises to reinforce learning.