Tag Archives: cultural heritage

Celebrating Cultural Heritage in Lahore

In August 2025, Lahore hosted two events that celebrated Pakistan’s rich heritage and explored innovative approaches to its preservation with the participation of our Preservation of Buddhist Rock Reliefs in the Swat Valley project.

At the British Council Library in Lahore, school students from across the city took part in an interactive session designed to introduce them to the Gandhara civilisation and its artistic legacy. Organised under the project “Preservation of the Buddhist Rock Reliefs in the Swat Valley: Digital Documentation, First-Aid Conservation, and Climate Change Adaptation,” the initiative forms part of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) and was implemented in collaboration with national and international partners, including the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Italian Archaeological Mission to Pakistan, The Heritage Management Organization, and Essanoor Associates.

During the session, students engaged in creative workshops that encouraged exploration of heritage, history, and environmental awareness. They painted tote bags inspired by Gandharan motifs and crafted clay replicas of artefacts. The programme successfully combined artistic expression with educational enrichment, fostering both appreciation and curiosity for cultural preservation. 

On the same day, the Lahore Museum hosted an International Panel Discussion entitled “The Future Museum: Technology, Heritage Conservation, and Inclusive Innovation.” The event was supported by ICOM, UNESCO, Essanoor Associates, the Heritage Management Organization, and the Tourism, Archaeology and Museum Department, and featured experts including Dr. Cristina Mengazzi (UNESCO), Alberto Garlandini (ICOM Foundation), Ar. Kashif Essa, and Malik Magsood, with moderation by Zainab Sabri, the Museum Education Officer. The panel examined the evolving role of museums, highlighting how technological advancements, innovative curation strategies, and inclusive practices can make cultural institutions more accessible and sustainable. Discussions also addressed local challenges and opportunities, bridging international perspectives with Pakistan’s heritage context. Th recording is available on Lahore Museum’s Facebook page

Both were fantastic initiatives which illustrated Lahore’s multi-faceted approach to cultural engagement, demonstrating how hands-on educational programmes for young learners can complement professional dialogues on innovation and preservation.



Summer Field School in Community Engagement for Cultural Heritage

This summer, HERITΛGE’s 11th Engaging Communities in Cultural Heritage Summer School brought together students, researchers and practitioners from around the world for two weeks of learning, discovery and collaboration. Through a range of activities, participants explored how communities engage with cultural heritage through a mix of academic sessions, practical fieldwork and creative activities.

The first week of the programme involved online teaching where participants were introduced to the ideas of engaging communities. Then, from June 23rd to July 6th, participants travelled to the Island of Paros where they were able to further explore what they had learned. Here is a look back at how it went.

Day 1: Mapping First Impressions
The in-person programme began in Paroikia, the island’s capital. After an introductory session, participants stepped out to create personal maps of the area using their senses as guides. In a group discussion, they shared first impressions and identified key questions to explore in the days ahead.

In the evening, the group travelled to Aliki to join the Klidonas midsummer festival. Music, dancing and lively conversation provided a first opportunity to connect with the local community and one another.

Day 2: Sensing the Island
Participants deepened their exploration by tuning into the sensory dimensions of Paroikia, focusing on its sounds, smells, textures and colours. Later, they collaborated on a collective mental map that reflected both individual and shared perspectives.

The day ended with a welcome dinner by the coast, accompanied by traditional music and conversation.

Day 3: Observation and Oral History Skills
Having become more familiar with the environment, participants focused on specific locations of interest, blending observation with active participation.

A hands on session introduced tools and techniques for conducting oral history interviews, with a focus on audio and video recording.

Day 4: Learning from the Locals
The group met with Spyros Mitrogiannis, a leading figure in local cultural work, who guided a visit to the Institute for Archaeology of Paros and the Cyclades. He shared insights into the cultural, environmental and political landscape of the island.

In the afternoon, participants examined themes such as ancient quarrying, fishing traditions and contemporary religious practices, laying the groundwork for their field research.

Day 5: Stories from Afar and At Home
Two guest speakers enriched the day’s programme. In the morning, Traci Kawai presented the Fisher Child project from Cape Town, a VR and AR exploration of sea, memory and healing.

In the evening, Katerina Konstantinou shared her research on folklore and local material culture, examining how heirlooms and souvenirs shape participatory documentation.

Between sessions, teams continued developing interview guides in preparation for community engagement.

Day 7: Walking the Paths of Heritage
In northern Paros, participants met Malatestas, President of Paros Park, who spoke about the challenges of heritage management and local involvement. A walk through the park’s trails highlighted the close ties between landscape and culture.

The day concluded with a beautiful sunset watched from the beach.

Day 8: Festivals and Tourism
The day focused on festivals as expressions of identity. Vicky Papadimitriou shared her experience with local, regional and national events, while Tim Healing offered case studies on community tourism and sustainability, prompting thoughtful discussion on responsible development.

Participants also used the day to refine their ongoing projects.

Day 9: Stories Set in Stone
The morning opened with discussions about interviews already carried out, ranging from fishing traditions to quarrying and religious offerings.

In the evening, Spyros Mitrogiannis led a visit to the Ancient Marble Quarries at Marathi, offering historical context and highlighting present day challenges around preservation.

Day 10: Visual Identity and Storytelling
Participants continued reviewing interview materials and shaping their group projects. In the afternoon, Irene Biza led a session on design and identity, exploring how visuals influence perceptions of place.

The day concluded with a screening of Yorgos of Kedros, a documentary that sparked reflection on storytelling and self representation.

Days 11 and 12: Final Preparations and Reflections
As the public presentations approached, teams worked to analyse ethnographic data and create podcasts, videos and visual materials.

Participants also attended a lecture by visual artist Natassa Biza, who offered new insights into ancient spolia around Paroikia, challenging conventional perceptions of historical remnants.

The final day was dedicated to collaboration, as teams prepared their presentations to the local communities and reflected on their shared journey.

Online Conference and Presentation 


The field school concluded with the Online Engaging Communities Conference on Sunday, July 6th, where participants shared their insights and creative outputs with an international audience. This event was exclusively available to our trainees and alumni and included presentations and insights from the Summer Field School Alumni who shared their current research projects, sparking an engaging session enriched with thoughtful discussions and commentary.

Following the conclusion of the Conference, the trainees organized a presentation of their work that was open to the public and was widely attended. The presentation took place in the Dimitrokopoulos Building in Paroikia, with the kind support of the Municipality of Paros.  During this second part of the evening, participants had the opportunity to share insights from our two weeks of fieldwork with attendees interested in their work.

“After days filled with collective challenges and individual discoveries, often marked by the initial confusion that is so characteristic of ethnographic research, this final presentation felt like both a validation of our efforts and an affirmation of our growing professional identities,” reflects trainee Claudia Valisano. “Beyond that, the event also had the potential to spark fresh interest among local residents in the island they call home, renewing awareness both for them and for us. Once all speeches were delivered and questions from the audience were addressed, guests were invited to enjoy food and drinks on the building’s beautiful terrace.”

You can find out more about our Summer School programmes and future dates here.

 

 

Strategic Planning for Heritage Managers

From 9 to 11 May 2025, HERITΛGE hosted an online workshop on strategic planning for heritage managers, led by Dr Alexandros Papalexandris. The workshop brought together 18 participants from 13 countries across Africa and Europe, aiming to strengthen strategic thinking, build organisational capacity, and support long term planning in the heritage field.

Over three days, participants explored key concepts such as vision and mission setting, stakeholder engagement, SMART objectives, and the role of values in strategy. They learned to use practical tools including SWOT and PESTEL analysis to assess internal and external environments, and examined the differences between planned and emergent strategies.

Working in teams, participants applied these concepts to four real projects: digitising rural culture in South Africa, preserving traditional African sports and games, creating a youth heritage club in Uganda, and documenting a historic monastery collection in Ethiopia. These case studies encouraged collaborative learning and practical application.

The second day featured a guest lecture by Debashish Nayak, a leading architect and heritage expert, who shared insights from over three decades of work on urban conservation in India. His talk highlighted the importance of community involvement and education in heritage preservation, drawing on his experience leading Ahmedabad to become India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City.

The course leader really articulated everything till I really understood and I appreciate his patience through out. [The course will help me to] strategic plan and execute our vision and mission and align them.

~Paidamoyo Mandizvidza, Deputy Director Digital Content and Multimedia Broadcasting at African Traditional Sports and Games Confederation

The final day focused on competitive advantage, strategic implementation, and evaluation. Participants discussed how to align resources with organisational goals and studied cases from institutions such as the British Museum and Cirque du Soleil. They also explored the use of feasibility studies and business plans to support strategic initiatives.

The workshop was a great success, equipping participants with practical tools and strategic insights tailored to the needs of the heritage sector. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of real case studies, expert guidance, and peer learning.

For more information about HERITΛGE’s workshops, go to our open courses page, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter / X, LinkedIn or Instagram.

 

Countries represented: Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

 

 

Communication Strategy and Strategic Marketing for Cultural Organisations Workshop in Rwanda

From 19 to 21 May 2025, HERITΛGE hosted an online workshop on communication strategy and strategic marketing for cultural heritage professionals in Rwanda. Led by media professional Derwin Johnson, the training brought together 15 heritage and tourism practitioners from across Rwanda to strengthen communication practices, improve audience engagement, and support the long-term sustainability of their institutions.

Participants represented ten organisations involved in cultural preservation and tourism, including Shalom Safaris Rwanda, Red Rocks Rwanda, Ubumuntu Arts Organisation, and others.* The workshop created an opportunity for professionals to share experiences and gain practical knowledge in areas relevant to their work.

“Time keeping, interactive, appropriate to our environment and sectors, with a nice mood and feeling – the live session felt as if it was on site.”

Esi Chantal Umuraza – Art & Travel Ltd – Founder

Over three days, the group explored a range of topics related to communication planning and outreach. The first day focused on storytelling techniques and media writing. Participants worked on developing clear and compelling messages for different audiences, including journalists and the general public.

The second day covered digital communication, with an emphasis on social media strategies. Sessions addressed how organisations can use various platforms to reach wider audiences, plan and manage content, and evaluate the effectiveness of their online communication efforts.

“I mostly like how our invigilator communicated on time. The instructor helped us during this course. He’s very professional in terms of providing learning methodology, and we wish we could have more days, as the more we get deep, the more we like and become familiar with the course.”

Jean Aime Nisingizwe – Shalom Safaris Rwanda – Chief of operations officer

The final day dealt with communication during times of crisis. Participants learned how to prepare for and respond to difficult situations in a clear and professional manner. A practical simulation, including a mock interview and press conference, gave participants the chance to apply these skills in a realistic scenario.

The workshop was designed to be interactive and practical, with small group activities and hands-on exercises throughout. Project Manager Eirini Oikonomidi said “I really enjoyed the interaction among the participants, both with each other and with the trainer. The group exercises were very effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.”

For more information about HERITΛGE’s workshops, go to our open courses page, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter / X, LinkedIn or Instagram.  

 

*Organisations represented included:

Shalom Safaris Rwanda

IVOMO

FASHA HUMANITY and UMUTI MU NGANZO

Art & Travel Ltd

Red Rocks Rwanda

Muze Tubyine and cultural preservation

Ubumuntu Arts Organisation

WJP Group Tourism and travel

Mashirika

Bwishyura Kivu Boat Co-operative (BKBC)

 

Embracing Technology in Cultural Heritage: Overcoming Barriers to Engagement and Accessibility

By Maria Kagkelidou

As cultural heritage institutions around the world grapple with the task of preserving our past, an exciting opportunity is emerging: technology. From virtual reality (VR) tours and augmented reality (AR) displays to artificial intelligence (AI) and haptic feedback, the tools available to make heritage more engaging and accessible are growing at a rapid pace. At the heart of this shift lies the potential to not only enhance visitor experiences but also address longstanding challenges such as accessibility and audience engagement.

As a participant in the SHIFT project, I’ve had the privilege of analyzing key survey results from both cultural heritage professionals and the general public. These surveys highlight the promise of new technologies, but they also underline the barriers that remain—barriers that need to be tackled to truly realize the potential of technology in the cultural sector.

The Promise of Digital Technologies

The results from our SHIFT survey of cultural heritage professionals reveal that many institutions are embracing technologies like AI, VR, and AR to increase their appeal and accessibility. With these tools, institutions are transforming the traditional museum visit into a dynamic, interactive experience. Visitors can now walk through virtual reconstructions of ancient civilizations, experience interactive 3D models of priceless artifacts, or participate in immersive educational games.

The general public survey, also part of the SHIFT initiative, further confirms this shift. When asked what would make them more likely to visit museums and cultural sites, a significant majority of younger respondents (aged 18–34) said that interactive, technology-driven experiences such as VR or AR would encourage them to engage more with cultural heritage. These technologies can bridge the gap between a traditional, static experience and a more dynamic, immersive one that speaks to today’s digital-native generations.

For institutions, the opportunity to create more inclusive spaces is equally promising. Through AI-powered accessibility tools such as text-to-speech for visually impaired visitors or haptic technologies that allow users to “feel” digital representations of artifacts, museums are making their collections available to broader audiences. These technologies, which were once considered futuristic, are now seen as essential for enhancing the inclusivity of cultural institutions.

Barriers to Widespread Adoption

Despite the optimism around digital transformation, the SHIFT surveys also shed light on the significant barriers preventing more widespread use of technology within cultural heritage institutions. Budget constraints were the most frequently cited challenge, with 57% of respondents reporting that limited financial resources were a key obstacle to adopting new technologies. Initial costs, as well as the need for ongoing maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, are particularly burdensome for smaller institutions.

In addition to financial concerns, lack of technical expertise remains a crucial barrier. Many institutions report that they simply do not have the in-house capabilities to implement or maintain advanced digital tools. This challenge is especially evident in smaller, less resourced institutions, which often do not have dedicated IT departments or staff with specialized training in digital tools.

There is also a degree of institutional inertia. The cultural sector can be slow to change, with some professionals expressing concern that technology might undermine the authenticity of cultural experiences. The survey results showed that about 33% of respondents felt that the introduction of advanced technologies might detract from the physical connection to artifacts or undermine the traditional, “hands-on” museum experience that many visitors still value.

Opportunities for Change

Despite these barriers, the SHIFT project continues to push forward with the belief that technology can be an enabler, not a disruptor, of cultural heritage. To address these challenges, the survey results suggest that there are several actions we can take to help institutions embrace digital transformation more effectively:

  1. Increased Funding Support: Public and private funding needs to be expanded, especially for smaller institutions. This can include targeted subsidies or shared funding models to make technology adoption more affordable.
  2. Training and Capacity Building: Cultural heritage professionals must be equipped with the technical skills to successfully implement and use these technologies. The SHIFT project has already initiated training programs aimed at increasing digital literacy within the sector.
  3. Collaborative Efforts: Cross-institutional collaboration should be encouraged to share resources, knowledge, and digital tools. This can be particularly helpful for smaller institutions that may lack the financial or technical means to go it alone.
  4. Inclusive Design: As the SHIFT surveys showed, the desire for inclusive experiences is high, and digital tools are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Institutions must continue to prioritize accessibility—from providing virtual tours for those unable to travel to offering multisensory experiences for people with disabilities.

A Bright Future for Cultural Heritage

The SHIFT project is driven by the ambition to make cultural heritage more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all. The survey findings clearly show that while the appetite for technology is strong, the sector must work together to break down the barriers preventing its wider adoption. Through collaboration, investment, and training, the cultural heritage sector can harness the power of technology to create richer, more inclusive experiences that will attract new audiences and better preserve our shared history for generations to come.

The road ahead may be challenging, but the potential is undeniable. As institutions continue to embrace digital transformation, the future of cultural heritage looks not just more interactive and inclusive, but more dynamic and engaging than ever before.

 

Organising Temporary Exhibitions from your Collections and Touring Strategies Workshop

Man standing in front of photo at the Fashion Accounts in Museum Africa Exhibition.

Photo: Manor Magazine

18 Heritage professionals from 13 countries joined us for the online workshop ‘Organising Temporary Exhibitions from your Collections and Touring Strategies’. The programme was led by Sophia Handaka, Co-Founder and Host of the CoMuseum International Conference and Curator of World Cultures at the Benaki Museum, Dr Evangelos Kyriakidis, Director of the Heritage Management Organization, and Dana Andrew, an independent museum consultant specialising in touring exhibitions and international projects.

Dr Kyriakidis opened the workshop with a discussion on the values that shape cultural institutions and how exhibitions can fulfil their missions. Participants reflected on their organisation’s purpose, the types of exhibitions that align with that purpose, and the impact of local, national, and international partnerships. Sophia Handaka then led a session on exhibition creation strategies, focusing on the practical aspects of planning and developing engaging exhibitions. She emphasised the role of storytelling, interpretation, and the importance of accessibility to ensure exhibitions cater to all audiences.

I have gained valuable networks that I plan on utilizing to get advice and feedback on how to refine my exhibition to make it more successful.

Priscilla Mungoma,  Head of Commission for Museum Development Creative at Institution of Umukuuka Inzu Ya Masaaba

The second day featured guest speakers who shared their curatorial experiences. Alison Moloney presented her Fashion Accounts exhibition, which explored memory, resistance, and colonial legacies through clothing. Eileen Musundi from the National Museums of Kenya introduced the Kanga Stories travelling exhibition, which celebrates the cultural significance of Kanga cloth from Eastern Africa, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in exhibition design.

On the final day, Dana Andrew focused on strategies for touring exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. She highlighted the importance of aligning a touring strategy with an institution’s overall mission and shared case studies from the V&A Museum and other UK institutions. Andrew also stressed the importance of integrating evaluation into the early stages of exhibition planning to ensure long-term success and impact.

I really enjoyed how the course connected theory with practical experience. It was great to work on real-world projects, and I learned a lot through collaboration with workshop-mates.

Peter Jegede, Curator at On Your Mark

The workshop provided participants with valuable insights and practical tools to enhance their exhibition projects. “I’ve gained valuable insights on the best practices on curating a temporary exhibition. I have ained Knowledge from experts. U have gained valuable networks that I plan on utilising to get advice and feedback on how to refine my exhibition to make it more successful,” said Pricilla Mungoma, Head of  Commission for Museum Development at Institution of Umukuuka Inzu Ya Masaaba.

The workshops also emphasised the need for strategic planning, creative storytelling, and effective audience engagement, and elicited enthusiasm from participants. “I really enjoyed how the course connected theory with practical experience. It was great to work on real-world projects, and I learned a lot through collaboration with workshop-mates,” said Peter Jegede, Curator at On Your Mark. “Participating in this course will help me apply new ideas and techniques to my projects, especially in curating and exhibition planning. I’ll be able to approach my work with a broader perspective, improve my skills, and create more impactful and engaging exhibitions.”

To read more about our upcoming workshops, click here

 

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