ICOMOS and ICOMOS-UK are celebrating their 50th anniversary through a conference on mainstreaming cultural heritage, to be held in London on 22 October.
ICOMOS UK writes:
Cultural heritage is an essential component of a successful society. It plays a vital role as a driver of development and of cultural tourism – a major global industry – and most importantly as a key component of our cultural identity and sense of wellbeing. From the survival of prehistoric cave art to the rehabilitation of disused industrial landscapes, it embodies a spirit of place and provides inspiration for the communities and people to which it belongs. Its value lies in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary.
Cultural heritage has a profound impact on our lives, but it is vulnerable, as we have seen so vividly in recent years and months. In its 50th anniversary year, ICOMOS-UK is calling for a new approach that celebrates cultural heritage and seeks to embed it in our education and training, so that its importance is maintained by future generations, embracing sustainable development and resilience in society.
This landmark conference not only celebrates innovative global approaches but marks the launch of a Cultural Heritage Manifesto for the next five years. This will include goals and ways for how those goals might shape policies, plans and initiatives to ensure that they are ‘cultural heritage proofed’ and that cultural heritage is put at the centre of decision-making about our society, communities and the environment.
