Social, technological, methodological and policy innovations in cultural heritage were in the spotlight of the recently held Horizon 2020 High-Level Conference of the European Year of Cultural Heritage.

Taking place in Brussels on March 20th, the conference assembled a group of politicians, museum curators, cultural innovators, and experts from other fields. The participants discussed innovation in the field of cultural heritage and the next steps for developing European-level strategies to further encourage it. Through a set of talk sessions and practical examples, the participants opened “a dialogue between contemporary European society and the most promising innovations in the field.”

The sessions were dedicated to European Policies for Cultural Heritage, The Future of European Cultural Heritage, and Cultural Heritage beyond Borders. More specifically, as outlined by Paul Dujardin, Chair of the first round-table sessions, the key topics included:

• The transversal position of cultural heritage among the EU Commission’s priorities
• Added value of the European action for cultural heritage by EU commission and civil society
• The highest achievements related to research and innovation in the field
• The vision of the future for the next generation policies for cultural heritage

Conference Highlights

“Cultural heritage is the same for the society as the roots to a tree.”

With this thought, Jean-David Malo, Director of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research an Innovation, highlighted the importance of cultural heritage as a resource for Europe's society and economy. His opening speech also explained why we must focus on innovation today to be able to preserve our heritage for the future.

Noting that “cultural heritage is limitless source of innovation where tradition meets cutting-edge technologies,” Malo pointed out that innovative technologies can support the goal of preserving heritage in various ways. Traditional crafts can use cutting-edge technologies to open new horizons for heritage. Museums can use technology to improve the experience of their audiences, while citizens can use it to freely access cultural resources. The key goal of the conference was to bring forward illustrations of such examples.

In addition to technological innovations, cultural heritage can be reinvented in various different ways. It can be revitalized through education and arts, which are some of the sectors that can significantly contribute to its promotion and enhancement. Discussing the ways in which artists can help bring their local heritage in focus and put them in the European context, Tibor Navracsics, EU Commissioner of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports stated:

“Cultural heritage is cross over source of energy for us. It is not only the business of art. It is not only the business of museums or cultural institutions, but it has to be a source of energy for all other aspects of contemporary life.” 

After the introductory discussions, the conference participants could see live demonstrations of cultural heritage projects by Europe’s notable innovators. Groups from various countries showcased their work in the field, giving examples of the efficient ways to approach local or common cultural heritage issues. Together with the high-level discussions of the day, their inspiring work helped open a new chapter for cultural heritage in Europe.    

The diversity of themes and ideas presented made the conference an excellent start for developing the objectives of European research and innovation policy for Cultural Heritage 2020.

As a part of the European Commission’s programme for European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, the conference was organized by the European Commission Directorate General for Research and Innovation, in cooperation with Directorates General for Education and Culture and for Communications Networks, Content and Technology.

You can watch the full recording of the conference on this link: http://www.videliostreaming.com/Paris1/ec.europa.eu/2018-03-20_9h/

Photo credits: ec.europa.eu