2008 CIDOC Annual Conference: The Digital Curation of Cultural Heritage

The 2008 CIDOC meeting will be held in Athens, Greece from September 15 to 18, 2008 (organized by the Hellenic Committee of ICOM and the Benaki Museum).

Theme: 'Digital curation emerged as an important new concept in the theory and management of cultural information. It covers all of the actions needed to maintain digitised and born-digital cultural objects and data, going beyond digital preservation to encompass their utilisation in the context of their entire life cycle, from acquisition and appraisal to exhibition, learning and commercial exploitation. The focus of CIDOC 2008 on the digital curation of cultural heritage will allow curators, collection managers, documentalists, archivists and museum information specialists to explore a broad range of theoretical, methodological, professional practice and technological issuers related to the appraisal, digitisation, management, representation, access and use of digital cultural assets, such as those increasingly becoming part of museum information systems and digital archives. A core emphasis of the meeting will be to understand and re-contextualise the know-how and history of established curatorial practice in museums, and memory institutions, in general, in the new field of digital cultural heritage; to review and discuss the applicability of standards- and good practice-related work in the context of managing digital cultural information; and to identify and explore the issues, methods and challenges involved with the development of new genres and contexts of virtual exhibition, e-learning and technology-enhanced services for scholarship and research.'

Call for papers
Contributions may take one of the following formats: full length paper (20 min including question time) or short paper (10 minutes) on a subject related to the theme of the conference.

Abstract in English should be sent to: papers@cidoc2008.gr with "CIDOC 2008 abstract" in the subject field. Include in the abstract a title, introduction, objectives, and conclusion, in not more than 500 words. Also include

• Name and surname of the author(s)
• Address of the institution (street, post code, city, telephone & fax no.)
• Email address of the author to which further information will be sent

The deadline for submission of abstracts is February 22, 2008.
Authors will be notified of acceptance by March 22, 2008.
See also: www.cidoc2008.gr

Museums & Heritage Awards for Excellence

The deadline for entries is 22nd February 2008.

Categories include: marketing campaign; permanent exhibition; temporary/touring exhibition; educational initiative; project on a limited budget; use of technology; alternative revenue generation; the classic award; the international award; restoration/conservation; and heritage365 readers' award (online votes only).

Judges will look for evidence of outcome, creativity, relation to objective and cost effectiveness - and true excellence.

Entry criteria and further information at www.museumsandheritage.com/?location_id=19

UK Ratifies UNESCO Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expression

The United Kingdom ratified the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression on 29th November.

The Convention seeks to 'strengthen the links between creation, production, distribution/dissemination, access and enjoyment of cultural expressions, as conveyed by cultural activities, goods and services. In particular, the Convention aims to reaffirm the sovereign right of States to draw up cultural policies; recognize the specific nature of cultural goods and services as vehicles of identity, values and meaning; and strengthen international cooperation and solidarity so as to favour the cultural expressions of all countries'.

Along with the 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage and the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, UNESCO state that this Convention is 'one of the three pillars of the preservation and promotion of creative diversity'.

For more information about the Convention, visit http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=11281&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Stonehenge saga

The Government has decided not to go ahead with tunnelling the A303, where it passes the Stonehenge World Heritage site, on the grounds of cost. The estimated budget for the proposed 2.1km (short) tunnel option had risen from £223m at the time of the Public Inquiry in 2004 to the latest reported cost estimate of £540m: this reflects a number of factors including ground conditions, more stringent requirements for tunnelling work and rapid inflation in construction costs.

According to the BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/7103371.stm 'the A303 Stonehenge Improvement from the time the scheme entered the roads programme in the late 1990s has so far cost £19m. The cost of the public inquiry in 2004 was £3m'.

In addition, the deteriorating relationship between English Heritage, owners of the stones and the National Trust, owner of the surrounding landscape, has been one of the byproducts of the process.

English Heritage: 'However it is encouraging than the Government recognizes that improving the setting of the Stones and the visitor facilities is a priority. English Heritage will work closely with other stakeholders to look into alternative ways to achieve this.’ http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.12710

National Trust: ‘taking into account the heritage and environmental needs of the one of the world’s most important landscapes. The Trust has consistently argued that without the funding for an appropriate long term solution, the priority should be of working together to deliver short term improvements within the Stonehenge landscape. We look forward to working with Government, Wiltshire County Council , English Heritage and others to achieve this’.

ICOMOS UK welcomed the Government's commitment to improving the setting of Stonehenge and ‘the recognition of the significance of environmental constraints across the whole of this iconic World Heritage Site'. Along with other bodies it is pressing for more immediate smaller scale improvements to the landscape, see http://icomos-uk.org/news/

UK National Commission for UNESCO is ‘most disappointed’, pointing to twenty years of indecision, half a dozen options and the full democratic process of a Public inquiry that led to the Inspector’s recommendation of the Published Scheme.

Heritage White Paper: analysis of responses published

The consultation on the White Paper Heritage Protection for the 21st Century received 341 responses from a range of respondants.

An analysis published by DCMS states that 133 local authorities responded, more than 100 voluntary and charitable organisations (87), local and national, religious, professional and educational and training bodies. To see if your views were taken into account, see: http://www.culture.gov.uk/Reference_library/Publications/archive_2007/hp21century_consresponsesnov07.htm

Cultural heritage: safeguard and management

National Center for Conservation, Restoration and Museology (CENCREM), Cuba VII International Congress on Cultural Heritage: Safeguard and management

Cuba 17 - 21 March, 2008

Deadline for abstracts: 30 January 2008

Memory & heritage in the era of globalisation

Association internationale des sociologue de langue française (AISLF)

Call for papers: Mémoire et patrimoine à l'ère de la globalisation

7 - 11 July 2008, Istanbul, Turkey

Deadline for abstracts: 30 January 2008

Stone consolidation conference

Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil, Portugal and Getty Conservation Institute: 6 - 7 May 2008

Call for papers: International Symposium on Stone Consolidation in Cultural Heritage

Deadline for abstracts: 31 January 2008

Downloadable report: Smith Institute round-table discussion on heritage

The New Statesman has published the transcript of the round table discussion on Britain's heritage, convened by think tank The Smith Institute. The forum considered how cultural value should be allocated, how to engage the public, and how to increase funding from both the public and private sectors, including encouraging personal donations.

Discussants included the Culture Minister Margaret Hodge, Lord Sandy Bruce Lockhart (Chairman of English Heritage), Liz Forgan (HLF Chair), Anthea Case (Chairman of Heritage Link), Nick Way (Director General of the Historic Houses Association).

Interesting (accurate and depressing) conclusion about where heritage sits in the government’s perception: 'I think the wider appreciation of what culture can do for the various things government wants to achieve is just not there at the moment.' (Harry Reeves, summing up on behalf of the Minister).

The pdf can be downloaded from http://www.newstatesman.com/pdf/heritage2007.htm

New publication - Measuring the value of culture: methods and examples in cultural economics

Snowball, Jeanette D (2007) Measuring the value of culture: methods and examples in cultural economics. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg. ISBN: 9783540743552

Might be interesting to a number of the list memebers! Provides advice on how to place valuations upon a cultural event or facility, reiewing current theory of cultural valuation. Discusses ideas of cultural capital and debates methods, such as economic impact and contingent variation. Offers advice on questionnaire design and the analysis and interpretation of results.

Interpret Britain and Ireland Awards

The Interpret Britain and Ireland Awards, run by the Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI), went to three sites this year:

Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, County Clare
Foynes Flying Boat Museum, County Limerick
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow

Commendations were given to five sites in England: Bath Postal Museum; English Heritage’s Battle Abbey and Battlefield; the Peak District National Park’s Paws on the Moors initiative; Chertsey Museum’s Runnymede Room, and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s Staircase House.

The 2008 nominations will open in April. For details see:

http://www.heritageinterpretation.org.uk/index.html

American Express and World Monuments Fund support sustainable tourism

American Express and the World Monuments Fund have announced a new initiative to reward and encourage "responsible stewardship of historic sites by supporting projects that address the issue of sustainable tourism." This initiative is focused on sustaining historic sites in the face of increased visitor activities and environmental impacts.

Four sites - St Paul’s Cathedral, London, the Historic Centre of Mexico City, Delhi Heritage City, and Historic Route 66, USA - are to receive $4 million over four years to support a variety of projects that integrate historic preservation, sustainable tourism management and visitor education. St Paul’s Cathedral's $500,000 grant will be distributed over two years to help towards relieving crowding and lessening the impact of tourism on the church’s nave which suffers from heavy foot traffic, abrasion and fluctuations in humidity. The funds will contribute to the long-term plan to open up an additional major area inside the Cathedral and make accessible some hitherto rarely seen aspects of the building.

For further details see http://www.wmf.org.uk/press/

VisitScotland Podcast for Glasgow

Interesting venture from VisitScotland who have developed a new audio and video podcast themed on the Merchant City. The free-to-download Merchant City podcasts are available in a 38 chapter audio version and a three-chapter video version, with c 80 minutes of information on Glasgow’s historic quarter.

See http://www.visitscotlandeupdate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=1889&fromnewsletter=true

The podcast will be promoted at web sites including YouTube and on the cities and culture pages of visitscotland.com, which will link to the download from Apple’s iTunes.

The podcasts are backed up by interactive maps available online so that visitors can take a virtual tour of the area accessing pop-up information panels on places of interest and the area’s attractions.

Maps via the link abve or at http://maps.live.com/?v=2&cid=BF808D2779EB3323!103&encType=1

Planning Reform Bill: summary of responses

The Government has made few significant changes to the Planning Reform Bill published on 27th November: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2007-08/planning.html

The Bill introduces a new system for nationally significant infrastructure planning, alongside further reforms to the town and country planning system.

See CPRE's statement at http://www.cpre.org.uk/news/view/459
and Friends of the Earth at http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/local/planning/

The summary of responses can be found at http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/governmentresponse

UC Berkeley and the Autonomous NAGPRA (Native American Graves and Repatriation Act) Unit

NCAI, the Nation’s Largest Indian Organization, has condemned UC Berkeley's position on disbanding its Autonomous NAGPRA (Native American Graves and Repatriation Act) Unit. It has also supported the Tribal Coalition’s position. For details see:

http://nagpra-ucb.blogspot.com/

And also:

http://nagpra-ucb-faq.blogspot.com/

2008 Preserving the Historic Road

Interesting conference "bringing together transportation professionals and historic preservationists to discuss the plight of the nation's historic roads. Since that first gathering in Los Angeles, a biennial conference has grown showcasing issues of identification, preservation and management for historic roads in the United States and internationally"

Albuquerque, New Mexico; September 11-14, 2008.

Call for abstracts: Deadline January 31, 2008.

http://www.historicroads.org/

Museums and the Web 2008

April 9-12, 2008; Montreal, Canada.

Deadline for demonstration proposals: December 31, 2007.

http://www.archimuse.com/mw2008/

4th Annual ENAME International Colloquium

Between Objects and Ideas: Re-thinking the Role of Intangible Heritage in Museums, Monuments, Landscapes and Living Communities

4th Annual ENAME International Colloquium;
Ghent, Belgium; March 26-29, 2008.

Call for abstracts: Deadline January 7, 2008.
Email to Claudia Liuzza colloquium@enamecenter.org

Nominations for America’s Most Endangered Historic Place

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting nominations for its next America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list. The 2008 list will be announced in May. The Trust uses the list as a tool in the fight to save America's irreplaceable architectural, cultural, and natural heritage. Deadline for nominations: January 4, 2008.

http://www.nationaltrust.org/11most/nominate.html

CULTURAL TRENDS conference: Challenging myths, researching reality. The role of evidence in the cultural sector

Conference at City University, London on 22 February 2008.

Cultural Trends, the journal that champions the need for better evidence-based analyses of the cultural sector, is holding its first one-day conference.

Challenging myths, researching reality focuses on the role that evidence plays in the cultural sector.

The conference will comprise three sessions: one of which focuses on the difference between Theory & Practice; another which considers policy and evidence at Regional & National levels; and, a third, which will be dedicated to Taking Part, the continuous national survey survey of participation in leisure, culture and sport commissioned by DCMS and its partner public bodies in England.

Confirmed speakers include: Andrew Pinnock, University of Southampton; Javier Stanziola , MLA ; Kate Clare and Gareth Maeer, HLF; Sarah Bloomfield and Mark Pragnell, Centre for Economics and Business Research, and Geoff Dawe, English Heritage; Jane Lutz, University of Birmingham; Rebbecca Aust and Michelle Jobson, DCMS.

Attendance is free. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. However, places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please respond to Shelley Allen:

shelley.allen@tandf.co.uk

More details about Cultural Trends can be found on the website:

www.informaworld.com/culturaltrends

THE SECOND ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM FOR RESEARCH STUDENTS IN CULTURAL POLICY AND MANAGEMENT

12 Feburary 2008
City University
www.city.ac.uk/maps/northamptonsquare/

"The Department of Cultural Policy and Management, City University and the Department of Drama, MA Arts Management and Cultural Policy, Goldsmiths College, University of London, are hosting the second annual research student symposium, REVEALING ALL. This will take place in London, on 12 February 2008.

The annual symposia is for research students from all UK universities with a tradition of research in the fields of cultural policy and management.

The intention is to provide participating students with the opportunity to network, collaborate and receive formal feedback from their peers. We expect the symposium to focus on issues close to the hearts of those who make cultural policy and promote its implementation in this country. Papers will include analysis, primary research, comparative case studies, models of policy-making, impact studies etc. Last year the event attracted a number of individuals from government and independent agencies concerned with arts policy who provided feedback on the papers presented.

The sessions at REVEALING ALL will cover four themes: cultural value; post-colonial Africa; the creative industries and artists' development and will include papers by students and key note presentations by John Holden, Kate Oakley and Gerri Morris. Sessions will be chaired by members of staff from City and Goldsmiths. Feedback will be given by presenters' peers and members of staff present.

We propose publishing the papers presented at the symposia, in City University's re-launched, peer-reviewed ejournal, Cultural Policy, Criticism and Management. Some of last years' contributions can be found at

http://www.city.ac.uk/cpm/ejournal/ejournal_june2007.html
and 
http://www.city.ac.uk/cpm/ejournal/ejournal_august2007.html

Sign up for REVEALING ALL 2 "

Government announcement on the Stonehenge Improvement Scheme

Government announcement on the Stonehenge Improvement Scheme

The Government announced that plans for 2.1km tunnel through the Stonehenge World Heritage Site have been withdrawn. The details announced by Tom Harris, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, are at http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/a303

Dresden Elbe Valley - to be removed from World Heritage List?

The construction of bridge threatens the Dresden Elbe Valley, which may be removed from World Heritage List

UNESCO threatening to remove the cultural landscape of Dresden Elbe Valley (Germany) from the World Heritage List. See press release at:

http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=41264&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Climate Change pages on CBA website

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) has set up new web pages on the developing problems resulting from Climate Change. At present the pages mainly stem from the Adapting Archaeology conference, which took place on 10th July 2007.

A range of guidance on policy and research are also accessible, all via http://www.britarch.ac.uk/conserve/climatehome.html

WMF and the Hill of Tara

The World Monuments Fund in Britain is writing to the European Commission and the Irish authorities asking them to seek interim measures at the European Court of Justice to halt the works at Lismullin national monument, as result of the impact from the proposed M3 motorway route.

WMF stated 'Tara Hill, which is the centrepiece of a large archaeological landscape with hundreds of significant sites, is the ceremonial and mythical capital of Ireland. It would be a huge loss to the world if Tara's surrounding landscape, about which we have much to learn, is destroyed for a highway development that will only encourage more rapid and inappropriate development. We are horrified at the prospect of a radical alteration of such an important site and call upon the authorities to reconsider their decision.'

WMF placed the archaeological complex of Tara Hill on its 2008 World Monuments Watch list of 100 most endangered sites. See http://www.wmf.org.uk/wmf_watch_100/highlights/

English Heritage guidance note on piled foundations

A new English Heritage guidance note on piled foundations and their use in preserving archaeology in situ has recently been released. It describes the main piling techniques used to construct foundations, the potential impacts of each pile type on archaeological deposits and how to mitigate the impact of piling, giving a range of options. These focus is on the decisions that need to be considered throughout the design and construction process. Case studies demonstrate some of the mitigation suggestions, and future research priorities are also discussed.

Copies can be downloaded from the HELM website.

WAC 6 session: Ethics, conflicts and working in other people’s countries

At the conclusion of the ‘Archaeology in Conflict’ conference last November delegates argued for the introduction of a code of ethical conduct to guide practice in the ‘Heritage sector’. A main concern of the conference was the way in which international agencies and overseas ‘missions’ fail the long-term needs of the communities with which they work. Problems are most acute in situations of conflict and in its aftermath - where the urgency of reconstruction can be at the expense of sustainable and locally based solutions – but are not restricted to such circumstances.

Whilst codes of practice governing professional conduct within particular countries address ethical issues, international conventions and charters are framed by ethical considerations, and there is a growing literature on ethical archaeology, most practicing archaeologists are guided by little more than individual conscience. What are the duties and responsibilities of archaeologists and other heritage professionals when involved in excavating, conserving, managing and interpreting other people’s pasts?

This session will explore some of the problems and propose the adoption of a code of practice supplementary to the draft WAC General Code of Ethics.

Issues addressed will include:
· the conduct of archaeologists in conflict states
· the influence of neo-colonial assumptions
· the roles of international agencies and NGOs: from expert missions to capacity building
· sustainable development: dialogue or dogma?
· universal heritage: supporting economies, places or people?
· participatory planning or manipulating local politics?
· indigenous solutions and/or localising the global.


Session organisers:
Tim Williams (tim.d.williams@ucl.ac.uk), Institute of Archaeology, University College London
Dominic Perring (d.perring@ucl.ac.uk), Institute of Archaeology, University College London
Sjoerd van der Linde (s.j.van.der.linde@umail.leidenuniv.nl), Leiden University
Rene Teijgeler (rene.teijgeler@planet.nl), PRDU, University of York.

CALL FOR SESSIONS
WAC-6, Dublin "Archaeologists, War and Conflict: Ethics, Politics, Responsibility."

The "Archaeologists and War" Taskforce, established in the aftermath of the Fifth World Archaeological Congress is charged with investigating the ethical and political role of archaeologists in armed conflicts around the world. Taking as its starting point the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the subsequent media focus upon the archaeology of 'Mesopotamia', the taskforce was established to "investigate the role of archaeologists in situations of armed conflict around the world, and explore the ethical dilemmas and the social and political consequences and effects arising from that involvement".

Given the perceived increasing involvement of archaeologists with the military in many parts of the world, and other phenomena that appear to testify to the militarization of archaeology (recalling perhaps the distant past in the history of archaeology when archaeologists formed an integral part of military imperialistic campaigns), this theme invites sessions which will confront the ethics and politics of this phenomenon. It also aims to explore possible stances and practices by archaeologists and others who oppose militarization and colonialists/imperialists wars, but find themselves working amidst such situations.

More specifically, we welcome sessions with a thematic, historical, or geographical focus but which address questions such as:
- Can archaeologists use their expertise to foster cultural understanding and thereby work against militarization and military "solutions"?
- Is it possible to reconcile an anti-war stance with an archaeological involvement (advice, contribution with scholarly expertise, scientific investigations) in military conflicts?
- When should archaeologists opposed to the war become involved in 'reconstruction' efforts or forensic investigations?
- Does the desire to "rescue" antiquities justify the collaboration of archaeologists with military structures or the exclusive focus on sites and artefacts as opposed to human lives?
- What is the nature of links between imperial/colonial wars and financial profit through archaeological activity?
- Is there a need for a new code of ethics that takes into account the notion of the 'embedded archaeologist' (that is, the archaeologist who is embedded in military structures, adopting the role of an "objective professional")?
- Can there be, in contexts of armed conflict, a role for an archaeology that is both politically engaged and neutral, in the sense that it takes an ethical stance that is opposed to any and all violence?
- What should the role of forensic archaeologists and anthropologists be when asked to investigate existing or assumed mass graves?
- Should we accept the participation of serving army personnel in archaeological conferences and publications? - How can we resist a further militarization of archaeology?
- How can anti-war archaeologists in opposing camps of a conflict but with similar ethical stances collaborate and bridge the dividing line?
Reinhard Bernbeck (rbernbec@binghamton.edu)
Yannis Hamilakis (y.hamilakis@soton.ac.uk)
Susan Pollock (bg9711@binghamton.edu)

The 6th World Archaeological Congress, University College Dublin, Ireland, 29thJune to 4th July 2008

Call for papers
Title of session:
"Politics and Archaeology in Various Regions of theWorld"
within the theme of Reflections on Archaeology and Politics

Session Organizers:
Talia Shay (Talia_shay@yahoo.com)
Victor Gonzalez Fernandez

Session abstract:
This session will relate to one or more of the six questions proposed in our general theme"Reflections on Politics andArchaeology/Anthropology".

1-How archaeological knowledge in the world is used or abused for political purposes.
2 -The contextual background of biased attitudes to the past in different parts of the world.
3-Whether archaeologists/anthropologists can prevent the results of scientific work from being used against particular groups or factions in their areas.
4-How biased attitudes to the past influence people'sidentity in different areas of the world.
5-What are the perspectives of indigenous people or different minorities on archaeological inference indefferent areas and how do they live on in the intersection between the prevailing and traditionalvalues?
6 - Whether reciprocal relations are evident between archaeologists/anthropologists and indigenous communities in particular areas and do they point tothe emergence of a new code of ethics.
At the closing of this sesion a sythasis of the entire theme will be presented by the organizers.

Call for sessions and papers in the theme *Archaeology and the Museum*
at the Sixth World Archaeological Congress, University College Dublin, Ireland, 29thJune to 4th July 2008

Theme Organisers:
Sonia Archila(Department of Anthropology, Andes University)
Sally K. May(Department of Archaeology, Flinders University of South Australia)

Theme Abstract:
This theme highlights archaeological research relating to, or coming from within, the museum sphere. The theme will focus on the shifting role ofarchaeology and anthropology museums in our contemporary societies, a societywhich is increasingly multicultural, multivocal and global.

In particular, this theme will explore the changing power relations within the museums sphere of influence and the role of social memory and social history in influencing perceptions of the past. The session organizers may be guided by the following questions:
What role do museums play in the development of the discipline of archaeologyboth in theory and practice?
How are museums of anthropology and archaeology contributing to debates surrounding heritage management?
How have museums of archaeology and anthropology engaged with notions ofdecolonization and the growing recognition of the political implications oftheir activities?
How have/could museums contribute to the debate surrounding the inclusion of social groups that have traditionally been excluded from the museologicaldiscourse?
How have museums of anthropology and archaeology modified their procedures toengage with their increasingly (or increasingly recognised) multiculturalsocieties?
How are museums of anthropology and archaeology contributing to the re-shapingof memory?

Public meeting: “Local communities and Monuments of Naxos”

Time: Friday 3^rd August 2007, 8.30 p.m.

Place: Lachanario Sq., Philoti, Naxos.

Naxos is Cyclades’ greater island and a place of exceptional natural and cultural resources.

During the last decades, however, an overall degradation of the natural and built environment is observed; some of the reasons of the situation could be traced in the fact that economic growth of the island is identified with its touristic development and the islanders’ future –inevitably- connected with touristic professions.

Gradually and as a result of this, the relationship between the Naxiotes and their natural and cultural heritage is subsided; monuments are increasingly considered as décor elements while the islandscape is heavily built in order to appropriate all-included mega-resorts.

The need of protecting the monumental remains and the natural environment, in which they were born and exist, is imperative. Participation in this initiative must be holistic and the citizens that surround or live in the monuments (: the local communities) must not be excluded.

Besides, the monuments –media of memory- cannot be separated from the collective memory and the social perception of time.

The programme “Local Communities & Monuments of Naxos” aspires to proceed towards that direction and begins with familiarizing the public & raising awareness for the monuments through the Local Administration of Naxos. Being informed and aware is the first and foremost part of protecting the monuments.

Commencing, thus, the programme the e-magazine MOnuMENTA and the Municipality of Drymalia invite you to attend the public meeting (with lectures and open dialogue) on Friday 3^rd August 2007, at 8.30 p.m. at Lachanario Sq., Philoti, Naxos.

Programme

Opening by the Mayor Mr. Ioannis Barthanis

Emeritus Prof. Vasileios Labrinoudakis, University of Athens

“Managing the stone, the water, and the green. Enhancing ancient works of art and technique in the area of Melanes, Naxos”

Stelios Lekakis, archaeologist

”The monuments and the history of archaeology in Naxos”

Irini Gratsia, archaeologist

“Threats to the monuments and the contribution of Naxiotes in their protection”

Open dialogue

The lectures and the dialogue will be in Greek but extensive abstracts in English will be distributed.

Supported by Vallindras distillery

The public meeting is part of the programme “Local Communities & Monuments of Naxos” run by the e-magazine MOnuMENTA in co-operation with the Municipality of Drymalia.

For more information: MOnuMENTA: 0030-6973308857, 0030-6972268659, info@monumenta.org , www.monumenta.org/

Municipality of Drymalia, Naxos: 0030-2285032647

Irish minister to review heritage protection

From SALON - an interesting development from the Tara posting below.

"Irish Minister for the Environment John Gormley says he is to review how the State protects its national heritage following the controversy over the planned construction of the M3 motorway over historic landscapes near the Hill of Tara. Mr Gormley said that Tara and ‘similar controversies’ of recent years raised the ‘valid question’ as to whether the current measures to protect archaeological and natural landscape in Ireland are adequate. ‘I agree with bodies such as the Heritage Council who have said that we do need enhanced measures. Therefore in the coming weeks I will begin a consultative process in order to bring forward a new National Landscape Strategy.’ However, he insisted he had no legal power to review the decision of his predecessor Dick Roche on the route of the motorway, and said that he had received ‘unequivocal’ advice from the Attorney General that it ‘is not open to him to review, or amend, the directions given by his predecessor in this case’.

The announcement from Mr Gormley comes after an undesignated ‘multi-period archaeological complex’ dating from the Bronze Age was destroyed by bulldozers during the night of 4 July 2007 to prevent road construction being held up. The Campaign to Save Tara group said the site had been recommended for designation by archaeologists working on the M3 project but former environment minister Dick Roche had rejected the application."

Aluka: African Cultural Heritage Sites

Aluka (derived from a Zulu word meaning 'to weave’) is a not-for-profit, collaborative and international initiative, which aims to connect resources and scholars from around the world. It has recently announced the release of its online digital library of scholarly resources from and about Africa.

The African Cultural Heritage Sites and Landscapes database, links visual, contextual, and spatial documentation. The Aluka digital library includes photographs, 3D models, GIS data, site plans, aerial and satellite photography, images of African rock art, excavation reports, manuscripts, traveller's accounts, historical and antiquarian maps, books, articles, and other scholarly research. Until 31st December, 2007, Aluka will be accessible at all academic and research institutions with access to JSTOR. After that date, academic and research institutions in Africa will continue to have no-charge access to Aluka; other institutions may pay a participation fee.

Website: www.aluka.org

State Government backs heritage values of Dampier Archipelago

A Western Australia government minister, Eric Ripper, has stated that:

"an Indigenous Heritage Management Plan is being developed to protect the heritage values of the entire Dampier Archipelago. It offers a multi-user approach to managing the Indigenous cultural heritage of the Dampier Archipelago and will provide a way forward to proactively manage the area in accordance with identified national heritage values." - whatever that means!

He goes on to say "We strongly believe that it is possible for industry and heritage to coexist in the Dampier Archipelago", which he would do as "The region is also one of Australia’s most important industrial areas. It is rich in natural gas, iron ore and a range of other minerals and provides a safe harbour, access to deep water and existing infrastructure."

Full statement at:
http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/media/Media.nsf/0c079b992e7e607a48256a5a0016e16b/58613eb139f48d77c82572fa001e0b54?OpenDocument but probably not for long.

Calendar of Cultural Heritage, from ICOMOS

ICOMOS have a useful online Calendar of Cultural Heritage events:
http://www.international.icomos.org/centre_documentation/calendar.htm

Recent publications

Some recent publications that may be of interest and are downloadable as pdfs:

Developing and Implementing Archeological Site Stewardship Programs, by Sophia Kelly, National Park Service online archeology Technical Brief #22.
http://www.cr.nps.gov/archeology/pubs/techBr/tch22.htm

Case Studies on Climate Change and World Heritage, from UNESCO.
http://whc.unesco.org/documents/publi_climatechange.pdf

World Heritage: Challenges for the Millennium, from UNESCO.
http://whc.unesco.org/documents/publi_millennium_en.pdf

Heritage at Risk 2006 – Special edition: Underwater cultural heritage at
risk: managing natural and human impacts, from ICOMOS.
http://www.international.icomos.org/risk/2006

Heritage at Risk – Special Edition: The Soviet Heritage and European Modernism, from ICOMOS. http://www.international.icomos.org/risk/2007/pressetext_heritageatriskenglish.pdf

MIDAS Heritage the UK historic environment data standard

MIDAS data standards are issued by English Heritage to cover records of the historic environment (see http://www.fish-forum.info for background).

A consultation version of the new edition MIDAS Heritage the UK historic environment data standard is now available online for comment.

New sections in MIDAS Heriage include:

• a structure for the recording of values associated with heritage assets - attempting to cover the different range of value types that have been discussed
• sections on the recording of management activities applied to assets.

You can download and review the consultation version at:

http://www.fish-forum.info/midaspr.htm

Comments should be sent to midas@english-heritage.org.uk by 29th June.

MDA: Standards in Collections Care Series Available Online

The MDA have made the Standards in Museum Care of Collections
series available from the Collections Link website at:
http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/conserve_objects/standards_colls_care

The series was originally published in the 1990s by the Museums and
Galleries Commission (MGC), now the Museums, Libraries and Archives
Council (MLA) and cover:

* Archaeological Collections
* Biological Collections
* Geological Collections
* Larger and Working Objects
* Touring Exhibitions
* Photographic Collections
* Musical Instrument Collections
* Costume and Textile Collections

Also recently added is a section on Emergency Planning, highlighting resources
from outside the cultural sector:
http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/plan_for_emergencies

and the London Screen Archives guide to caring for moving image
collections:
http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/special_collection/photo_film

UNESCO Courier: Memory of the World

New issue of the UNESCO Courier is out: http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=37894&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Articles include:

• Documentary heritage in the digital age More

• Timbuktu manuscripts: Africa’s written history unveiled More


• Slave trade archives: ports of call More
  

World Monuments Fund 100 most endgaged monuments

The World Monuments Fund has just announced its new list of the 100 most endgaged monuments:

http://www.worldmonumentswatch.org/

Interesting range of sites - including Tara in Ireland (see earlier post).

This year's list is the first to add global warming to the threats to cultural heritage.

There is a useful summary article from the launch at:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070606.wwarmarch0606/BNStory/Science/home

WAC submission regarding Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

WAC has made a submission to the United Nations regarding the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. You can find it on their web site at:

http://www.worldarchaeologicalcongress.org/site/news_pres_13.php

EAA CALL FOR PAPERS
Urgent demand for papers for session 14: Archaeological Futures: Heritage as Radical History-Making of the European Archaeologists Association this September. If you fancy a trip to Croatia, there is your chance. Sit down and write up! The deadline has been extended until the June 20th...

For more details:
http://www.unizd.hr/eaa2007/Programme/ThematicBlocks/ArchaeologyintheModernWorld/tabid/1436/Default.aspx

Good luck!

The Van - Archaeology in Transit

Some of you may be interested toknow that Greg Bailey's film about last year's Transit Van excavation (In Transit, 15 mins) is now streaming online on the Archaeology Channelwebsite:http://www.archaeologychannel.org/
http://www.archaeologychannel.org/content/video/intransit_700kW.html
Do pass this on to anyone you think might be interested, and esp anyother email groups you are members of.

Myths of Immateriality: Curating, Collecting and Archiving Media Art

DANUBE TELELECTURE from the MUMOK, Vienna

The Department for Image Science at Danube-University Krems created a new format of international lecture and debates on key questions of ImageScience and Media Art with high-calibre experts - the DANUBE TELELECTURES.
The discussion will be recorded by several cameras and transmitted live over the www. Online viewers can participate live in the discussion via email.TELELECTURE # 3
"Myths of Immateriality: Curating, Collection and Archiving Media Art"

During the last decades media art has grown to be the art of our time, though it has hardly arrived in our cultural institutions. The mainstream of art history has neglected developing adequate research tools for these contemporary art works, they are exhibited infrequently in museums, and there are few collectors. Media art is hardly being archived and systematically preserved like ancient and traditional forms of art. This loss of data our society is facing because of the change in storage media and operational systems threatens to result in a total loss of our contemporary digital art. Which practices and strategies in the curating and documenting of media art do experts in the field suggest?
*** CHRISTIANE PAUL, curator for New Media, Whitney Museum, NY, author of"Digital Art" (Thames & Hudson 2003)*** PAUL SERMON, media artist and scientist at the University of Salford, UK
http://creativetechnology.salford.ac.uk/paulsermon/cv.html
*(Introduction: Oliver Grau, Univ.-Prof. and Head of the Department forImage Science, Danube University Krems)

Danube TeleLecture # 3 at the MUMOK, MuseumsQuartier, Vienna
Time: Sun, 27. May 2007, 17.00h CET (Start of Streaming)+ You can attend the event in MUMOK or in realtime over the www +http://www.donau-uni.ac.at/dis
After 20 minute long lectures the audience will have the possibility to ask the speakers questions. Internet users may join the discussion via e-mail.
Contact: Mag. Jeanna Nikolov-Ramírez GaviriaTel: +43 (0)2732 893-2570 E-Mail: jeanna.nikolov@donau-uni.ac.athttp://www.donau-uni.ac.at/dis

*******************************************PARTNERSORF http://noe.orf.at DATABASE OF VIRTUAL ART www.virtualart.at

H-Museum

For over one year I am already benefiting from this very informative website and its e-newsletters that I want to recommend you!

It is giving international museum news digests, sending out calls for papers, scholarships, job announcements and other activities all related to museum and cultural studies mainly from central Europe and the U.S., so the information comes in various languages and can at times be a little overwhelming..

Anyway, it is definately worthwhile to have a look for yourselves!!!

http://www.h-net.org/~museum/index.html

Online magazine MOnuMENTA

An online magazine, MOnuMENTA, has produced its first issue on urban space and the urban green space. The magazine has a Greek/Cypriot focus (so that should interest quite a few of our students!), although it includes case-studies from elsewhere.

http://www.monumenta.org/article_list.php?IssueID=2&lang=en&CategoryID=1

This issue contains:

The history of greek urban space from the post-war period to nowadays. Interview with the architect and urban designer Andreas Symeon
Editing: Irini GratsiaInterview with the architect and urban designer Andreas Symeon regarding town planning, the formation of the Greek urban space from the post-war period to nowadays. Through his training and professional development one can follow the international and local trends of town planning and the traumatic evolution of Athens. Meanwhile the problems of the modern town are presented as well as ways to encounter them.

"Castleford Project", an innovative regeneration project
David Barrie, producer of public projects and consultant in city development "Modernisation is possible only through democratisation". This is a key philosophy of "Castleford Project", the innovative regeneration project of a town in West Yorkshire, England that in just four years has transformed several of the town’s public spaces and leveraged over €300m of new public and private investment.

Urban regeneration in Athens and the broader Attica region
Eleni Portaliou, associate professor, National Technical University of Athens In the middle of the 1990s, plans for the Olympic Games intensified Attica’s centralization. Sporting and other Olympic venues encouraged the expansion policy and the euphemistically called rehabilitation projects, namely the sitting of Olympic Poles in unbuilt areas. However, all these areas constituted either valuable reserves for the reconstitution of the fragmentary city or parts of natural landscape.

They also have a Monuments at risk section and a discussion forum.

Black Swan saga

You may be aware of the current debate regarding underwater pillaging of historic wreck sites, especially with regard to recent "Black Swan" site.

The firm involved, Odyssey, have issued a long (and vague) press statement which you access via their website: http://www.shipwreck.net/

Mark Horton, writing in Britarch, neatly summarises the issues:

"I must admit I have been somewhat disappointed by the Britarch discussion (which sometimes verges on the banal), on what potentially is the biggest removal to the USA of our cultural heritage that has ever taken place. Basically:

a) it seems that the best candidate is the Merchant Royal, a British merchantman, carrying Spanish government bullion under contract. By all accounts, while in international waters (and we only have Odyssey's word for this - surely someone was monitoring their activities (e.g. MCA/Receiver of Wreck?)) it seems be be very close to the 12 mile limit.

b) If our government had signed up to the UN convention for the protection of underwater heritage, then it would have undertaken to outlaw treasure hunting not only in territorial waters, but also in waters where we claim an economic interest - this includes the continental shelf, where we clearly have already legislation claiming jurisitiction over natural resources such as gas and oil, or 200 miles for fisheries.

c) I suspect that to sign the UN convention, we would need primary legislation - but the opportunity is there with the Marine Bill to do exactly this. d) Unless this happens, the western approaches is going to become treasure hunters alley, as there is many other ships down there, perhaps also with equally large hauls on board. For those who don't know, this isn't a harmless activity, but these large ships basically hover up the sea bed, sort out the loot, and throw the rest back overboard. Whatever our views on the rights and wrongs of treasure hunting, this is I am sure something that none of us would condone.

e) one suspects that the government's reluctance to sign the convention is because of HMS Sussex, (of course the deal would be illegal under the convention), and the potential benefit the MoD hopes to get from Odysseys's next little venture."

The challenges and problems of Strategic Planning Object

Alghero, 27th July - 4th August 2007
INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL (ISS)
ISS 2007: The challenges and problems of Strategic Planning Object
Effective strategic planning must feature the capacity to define a particularly coherent, stable outline of objectives, instruments and policies, it must link up with other planning instruments at different spatial and temporal scales in a precise, regulated way, and it must combine top-down and bottom-up approaches. Strategic planning does not clash with ordinary planning, which is necessary and is - and must be - (also) made up of norms and vetoes, and it has to be able to be both rigid when useful and flexible when necessary: rigid, because once a shared vision has been constructed, this vision cannot change every time the leaves rustle, flexible, because a good strategist knows how to modify tactics and actions on the basis of changing conditions. Strategic planning has to express a shared vision, shared firstly by all those who have or will have rights, male and female citizens first of all, but also guests and friends, and also and with particular importance by the future citizens: girls and boys and adolescents; this means that before allowing those to speak who already have a say, those who express strong economic interests (they, too, are not to be excluded), we need to know how to listen to the demands, needs and wishes of those less capable of expressing or recognising them. But we must avoid this being a passing fashion. Fashions are not necessarily bad, nor are they necessarily good. It would not be right for strategic planning to be a fashion, a copy of slightly old-fashioned company practices brought into the field to justify urban marketing actions, as if the task of public administrations were to “sell” a product and not to ensure lasting quality of life for citizens and guests. Quality of life means fairness, it means a good tenor of life (tenor of life is not just the income pro capite), it means a healthy environment, it means beauty, it means public spirit (for the Greeks those who were not interested in public things were called “idiots”). Strategic planning for the city and territories must therefore be equipped with its own instruments, suited to the different scales, it must provide its own normative framework and determine concrete effects on the set of choices, it must compete with other planning dimensions, it must constitute a process of true empowerment. How to carry out strategic planning properly in accordance with the territorial level (with particular reference to small and medium cities), how to incorporate it in the picture of planning and management instruments, how to link it up with the different types of plan and other scales, how to encourage citizenship and participation to grow: these will be the themes of the summer school, which, after two days of (technical and territorial) background, will be

Place
ISS 2007 will take place in Alghero. This town is called L’Alguer by Catalans, S’Alighera by Sardinian people, L’Aliera by Sassari’s citizens and Alguer in Spanish. It is a town in the district of Sassari with over 42.000 inhabitants. It is well connected with Italian and European destinations with several daily flights. It is close to Porto Torres harbour and it hosts the first Faculty of Architecture in Sardinia.

Teachers
Stephane Bosch Arnaldo Cecchini Antonio Font Francesco Indovina Giovanni Maciocco Oriol Nello Bernardo Secchi

Languages
Italian and English

Enrolment cost
400 euro (250 euro for university students and doctorate or PhD students)
There will be 4 grants for EU students for the enrolment cost. There will be 4 grants for students outside UE belonging to partner Universities of the Faculty of Architecture of Alghero, that will cover the costs of enrolment and accommodation.
We have an agreement for the accommodation in Alghero (30 euro per person per night in triple room, 35 in double); also, agreements for meals will be activated.
The ISS will provide a certificate for 3 credits (ECTS).

Info
E sei2007aho@uniss.it M +39 3209234078 U www.sei.architettura.uniss.it
ISSs of Facoltà di Architettura di Alghero area directed by Giovanni Maciocco & Arnaldo Cecchini

The leading team of ISS2007 Alghero is composed by:
Francesca Bua, secretary Alessandra Casu Alessandro Plaisant Silvia Serreli
split between four project workshops on different realities in northern Sardinia.

The Marine Bill White Paper: exploring the detail

The Marine Bill White Paper: exploring the detail, 3 July 2007

The Brunei Gallery lecture theatre at the School of Oriental and African Studies, Russell Square, London, is the venue for this one-day conference whose aim is to help a diverse range of stakeholders gain a better understanding of the detail involved in the Marine Bill and with the developing proposals. It will allow key issues to be raised and discussed with both the Defra Marine Bill team and the major stakeholders in the process. Online booking available via the CMS (Coastal Management for Sustainability) website.

Data sans frontières: web portals and the historic environment

'Data sans frontières: web portals and the historic environment', 25 May 2007, British Museum

Organised by the Historic Environment Information Resources Network (Heirnet) and supported by the AHRC ICT Methods Network and the British Museum, this one-day conference takes a comprehensive look at portal technologies and Web 2.0 approaches to the dissemination and integration of historic environment data. Speakers from national organisations, national and local government and academia will explore options for co-operation at national and international level and create a vision for a way forward for joined-up UK historic environment information provision.

Online registration and payment facilities are available on the Heirnet web page. It is also possible to pay by cheque or cash on the day, but please reserve your place in advance by email.

Can ancient places be preserved successfully as part of a commercial development?

London Archaeologist Annual Lecture and AGM, 22 May 2007, Institute of Archaeology

When Pre-Construct Archaeology began excavations at Bermondsey Square, Southwark, in 2005, the prospect of locating the medieval abbey church was known. But the state and extent of preservation they found was both unexpected and problematical. Can ancient places be preserved successfully as part of a commercial development? Alistair Douglas of Pre-Construct Archaeology examines the archaeology and the issues. Tuesday 22 May 2007, 6.30pm for wine and refreshments; 7pm for AGM and annual lecture; Institute of Archaeology, 31–34 Gordon Square; free of charge; all welcome.

Seaside Heritage: Colourful Past, Bright Future

Conference on the role of heritage in the regeneration and future of England’s seaside towns.

Seaside Heritage: Colourful Past, Bright Future will take place at St Mary in the Castle in Hastings on 16th and 17th October 2007.

Programme includes:

The English Seaside Resort: History, Heritage and Regeneration
John K.Walton, Professor of Social History, University of Central Lancashire

Tackling the Challenges Faced by Coastal Communities
Dr Phyllis Starkey, MP, Milton Keynes

Catching the Wave: Regeneration in Historic Coastal Towns
Deborah Lamb, Director of Policy and Communications, English Heritage

The Seaside Network: Sharing Experience and Learning from the Past
Derek Harding, BURA and Programme, Director for the Margate Renewal
programme

Turning the Tide: Enabling Sustainable Seaside Regeneration in the South East
Andy Brown, Regional Director South East, English Heritage

Coastal Defences: Protecting Seaside Heritage
Roger Bowdler, Head of Designation, English Heritage

Managing the Coastal Historic Environment through the 21st Century
Peter Murphy, Coastal Strategy Officer, English Heritage

The Challenge of the Seaside Pier: Past, Present and Future
Fred Gray, Dean of the Sussex Institute, University of Sussex

The Era of the “colonia di vacanza” in Italy: an Architectural and Social Study
Valther Balducci, Facoltà di Architettura ‘Aldo Rossi’ Università di Bologna

Coastal Treasures INTERREG Project
Elizabeth Justome, Chercheur associé au Service régional de l’Inventaire, Picardie, France

Reputation and Regeneration: History and Heritage in the Re-making of Blackpool
John Walton, Professor of Social History, University of Central Lancashire

Panel Discussion: Is Heritage an Aid or Hindrance to Regeneration?

For full programme and booking details contact Helen Charlton helen.charlton@sam-culture.com

Tara controversy

Heated debates at present regarding the M3 motorway scheme at Tara, Ireland.

For a view opposing the road scheme - see SchNEWS www.schnews.org.uk

"The proposed M3 motorway has been described by archaeologists as the worst case of state-sponsored vandalism ever inflicted on Irish cultural heritage." - Roadblock.

The biggest anti-road direct action protest ever in Ireland may be about to happen at the Hill of Tara, north west of Dublin, if attempts to have the area protected on archaeological grounds, and other legal efforts fail. The entire area is a large archaeological complex containing at least 160 sites covering a timespan from 3600BC through to bronze and medieval ages. It was once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and the country's political and spiritual capital until the 12th century. Yet it is imminently threatened, after a nine year battle to stop the development, by a motorway which would pass within one kilometre of its centre, and through the Tara Skryne Valley, scattered with hundreds of monuments whose relationship with the central complex is only just beginning to be understood. Like Stonehenge, the main edifice is surrounded by a large acreage of associated mounds, burial chambers and ancient building works.

The Irish govt have given the green light to the M3 motorway and are so determined to avoid the past problems of nuisance neolithic artefacts or human remains being dug up during earth works and threatening the developments, that new heritage laws have been enacted. Now under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, government ministers have sole discretion in deciding whether archaeological sites in Ireland are to be preserved or demolished - affecting Tara, and all future development sites.

Work started late last year, and since January a construction compound was set up and earth moving equipment brought in. On 4 January, protesters occupied digging equipment near Dunshaughlin to hold up work, as earth moving had begun - being passed off as 'excavations'. Last month a 1,300 year old underground building near Roestown was destroyed, just one of the major archaeological sites on the proposed route, containing beads, carved bones and an ancient gaming board. The destruction was rushed through by the National Roads Authority (NRA) to avoid an injunction being placed under the National Monuments Act which would have stopped work. The NRA claim that this sort of site was 'relatively common' in Ireland. Campaigners were refused permission to have an independent archaeologist inspect the site.
Mysteriously, a section of land at Lismullen is surrounded by fencing and 24 hour security - it is believed that something important may have been dug up which they don't want the public to find out about.

At the moment, with the affected land still largely intact, campaigners are trying to raise funds to pay for an independent archaeological team to go over the 38 known important sites along the route. Campaigners say that Irish archaeologists won't do it because they are all too deeply in the pockets of the NRA, and have an eye towards the future work they will get signing off other historic sites to oblivion. It is also claimed that government-lackey archaeologists are not digging at sufficient depth considering the layers of burial going back through the ages, and it is estimated that a proper excavation of the area concerned would take a decade. In June this year World Monuments Watch, an international body with enough clout to save many of the threatened sites at which they have intervened, will give a decision about whether to put Tara in their top 100 'most endangered sites' list, which would put further weight behind efforts to protect it. Tara is also being made a big issue in the forthcoming Irish general election this year, but campaigners told SchNEWS that this is amounting to the main political parties trying to gain pre-election kudos by appearing to oppose it. Whether any of them could be trusted once in power is another matter.

Since the Summer Solstice in 2006, there has been a permanent vigil, fire and camp at Tara, with regular events including the upcoming Beltane on 1 May, and a large gathering open to all celebrating the first anniversary on 21 June. The vigil is on the north side of the Hill of Tara, past Rath Grainne: just follow the ditch/road north from the parking area. Rope, tarpaulin and all usual camp tat is needed. For more see www.savetara.com.

In late December large trees were felled and earth moved on the northern slope of Skryne at Rath Lugh, and what began as daily demos has turned into an ongoing protest site there. When the direct action campaign kicks off, Skryne Valley will be the frontline - an area not only of archaeological importance but also featuring ancient woodland between Rath Lugh and Blundelstown. Mass destruction through the valley could be imminent; SchNEWS will give bulletins as and when people are needed to help protect it.

* For updates about the protest see http://tarawatch.org & www.savetara.com

* To read about the history of the Hill of Tara see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_of_Tara

It is perhaps worth noting that the position of the current road passing Stonehenge can hardly be laid at the door of poor planning, as it significantly predates all planning legislation!

For an alternative view: see

The NRA, The M3 and Archaeology. The Facts
http://www.nra.ie/Archaeology/DownloadableDocuments/file,1089,en.PDF

Heritage Impact 2007

Another expensive conference!

Heritage Impact 2007 is the third International Symposium on the study of the socio-economic impact of cultural heritage.

The Symposium and professional meeting will take place on 21-22 June, 2007 at the Royal Pavilion Palace, Brighton, UK. The theme will be the issue of assessing the socio-economic impact of cultural heritage with specific reference to the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) at heritage sites.

Their blurb states:

"The use of information and communication technology at museums and heritage sites is increasing. Yet heritage organisations are often poorly placed to fully take advantage of the opportunities that ICT can provide or assess the impact that ICT can have on their organisation. For three years, the European Commission’s EPOCH Network of Excellence has studied the impact of ICT in heritage organisations. Using the results of this Europe-wide research in conjunction with practical case studies, this Symposium will provide practitioners with an overview of the business processes associated with successful ICT deployment, and of the impacts and outcomes of ICT and of the wider impacts of heritage sites. The Symposium provides an opportunity for practitioners, policy makers and academics in the heritage field to share the latest thinking on research direction and to consider strategies for both evaluating and improving socio-economic impact in the cultural heritage sector. As always, the Heritage Impact Symposia series aims to produce firmly practical outcomes that will support practitioners in the cultural heritage sector.

The core themes will include:

What role can ICT play in enhancing the impact of cultural heritage sites?
How can impact be improved through strategic evaluation, marketing and business practices?
How can ICT be used to obtain strategic impact data and information at heritage sites?
What methodologies can be used to analyse impact and value at cultural heritage sites?

Examples and in depth case studies will be examined to show how heritage and ICT can be used to increase positive impact and outcomes.

Heritage site practitioners who are delegates at the Symposium will have the opportunity to attend an additional FREE 2 hour impact training workshop prior to the event."

Contacts:

Email: EPOCH@brighton.ac.uk or phone on: + 44 (0)1273 642468.

Register and info: http://www.heritageimpact.org

Journal of Cultural Economy

New Journal of Cultural Economy - see http://www.cresc.ac.uk/publications/cultural-economy.html with call for papers.

Might be interesting?

Gaza at the Crossroads of Civilisations

Interesting BBC article, prompted by the Gaza at the Crossroads of Civilisations exbition in Geneva. touches upon how the Palestinian Authority is trying to fight looting because it undermines ideas of nationalism by stealing/destroying national symbols, but how poverty has led to a booming trade in looted artifacts, & lack of resources to prevent/control it.

Iraq ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6600235.stm

International Cultural Heritage Informatics Meetings

CHIM07 - International Cultural Heritage Informatics Meetings; Toronto; October 24-26.
http://www.archimuse.com/ichim07/

Red List of Afghanistan Antiquities at Risk Released

In March, the ICOM Red List of Afghanistan Antiquities at Risk was published. The Red List is a tool in the ongoing fight against looting and illicit trafficking of Afghanistan's archeological heritage. By outlining the cultural artifacts that are most at risk, the list aims to aid customs officials, police officers, and art dealers in identifying these objects and promoting public awareness of this serious problem.

It is the fourth in a series of ICOM Red List publications.

See http://icom.museum/redlist/index.html

Sand Creek Massacre Site National Park

On April 28, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site was made the most recent National Park in the USA. It is the site of the massacre of nearly 160 Cheyenne and Arapaho on November 29, 1864. At dawn that day, a force of some 700 volunteers in a Colorado regiment attacked a peaceful village of Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians camped along Sand Creek in southeastern Colorado Territory. The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, situated on over 12,000 acres in southeast Colorado, "recognizes the significance of the massacre in American history and its ongoing significance to the Northern and Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes."

See http://www.nps.gov/sand/index.htm

Valuing the Historic Environment

'Valuing the Historic Environment' is a new, cross disciplinary research cluster for the discussion of frameworks of value in relation to the preservation of historic environments. The cluster is meeting at three one day colloquia to take place between January and July 2007 and on an online discussion board, available from http://www.le.ac.uk/ms/contactus/valhistenvir.html.

Detailed notes documenting the discussion at each colloquium are also be available from the cluster www. The aim is for the activities of this cluster to lead to further research connections, collaborations, opportunities and outputs, with the potential to influence academic debate and policy formulation.

The third colloquium associated with this cluster takes place on the 6th July 2007. The main focus of the colloquium is 'Museumisation and Historic Environments'.

There are a limited number of places available, there is no cost to attend but we are not normally able to pay expenses. Expressions of interest in attending should briefly describe how the persons experience will enable them to make a significant contribution to debate in the colloquia. Expressions of interest should be sent to Anna Woodham at alw20@leicester.ac.uk.

The closing date for expressions of interest in attendance for Colloquium 3 is 15/06/07.

Colloquia details are as follows: 'Museums, Museumisation and Historic Environments' - 6th July 2007

Keynote: David Lowenthal, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography, University College London, 'Patrons, Populists, Apologists: crises in heritage stewardship and display'.

Other Speakers: Liz Stewart, National Museums Liverpool, 'Building Understanding: National Museums Liverpool and Liverpool's Historic Environment'.

Dr. Lisanne Gibson, Department of Museum Studies, University of Leicester, title to be announced.

Others to be announced.

Location: University of Leicester

You can find further details about the research cluster at http://www.le.ac.uk/ms/contactus/valhistenvir.html

Dear group members,

the Heritage Studies Research Group is officially the first research in the institute to launch its own blog!

Please, feel free to post or comment anything of your interest...

This blog is yours!

Enjoy,
Anastasia

Enabling Access: Heritage and Communities: Glasgow, 26th-27th March

Following the success of the Questions of Access: Research and Practiceseminar, the second in the Heritage Futures Access to Heritage series whichis supported by the ESRC will focus on communities.

This two day seminarwill bring together academics and professionals with the aim of focussing onthe community dimension of heritage access and considering ways of enablingcommunity access to heritage.

The seminar at Glasgow Caledonian University is free but numbers will belimited so to ensure a place email Professor Fiona McLean at fmc2@gcal.ac.uk

Funding is available for 12 postgraduate /early career researchers. If you wish to be considered for this funding, please contact Fiona McLean with abrief introduction on current research and institution information.

EH Conservation Principles: 2nd stage consultation

In February 2006, comments were invited on draft Conservation Principles, intended to help English Heritage achieve greater consistency of approach incarrying out its statutory role as the Government's advisor on the historicenvironment. Now the second part Policy and Guidance is out for consultationuntil 11th May. EH is also running four seminars during March and April to introduce and debate the Principles, one in York and three in London.

The seven draft principles have now become six with considerable rewording, followed by a section on Understanding Values and Assessing Significancewhich defines evidential value, historical value, aesthetic value andcommunal value. The main section Conservation Principles and Guidance looksat how to achieve a balance between heritage values and the potentialbenefits and disbenefits of proposed changes.

The consultation document can be found at www.english-heritage.org.uk/conservationprinciples Consultees are invited to respond to 14 questions on contents, definitionsand format. Replies should be submitted to Sally Embree by 11th May atconservationprinciples@english-heritage.org.uk or by post to ConservationPrinciples, Conservation Department, English Heritage, 1 Waterhouse Square,138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2ST

The new Heritage Link Funding Directory was launched on 9th February. The Funding Directory includes organisations in public, private and voluntary sectors from the National Lottery to charitable trusts that offer grants,loans, scholarships, bursaries, education and various forms of in kindassistance. The Directory which is free to all users at:http://www.heritagelink.org.uk/fundingdirectory/main/fundinghome.php