Heritage conservation and social engagement - Renata Peters

Heritage Conservation and Social Engagementexplores different kinds of engagement,participation, access, and creative use of resources motivated by the practiceof conservation, and offers ethical and practical perspectives from which toapproach cultural heritage projects.

The chapters are structured around the themes ofengagement and participation, with an emphasis on the value ofcross-disciplinary collaborations and the adoption of more encompassingapproaches to conservation decision-making. The authors explore thecomplexities of these collaborations, which are often influenced by thecolonial baggage of museums and whose effectiveness vary according to context,objectives, methods and resources available. Given the variable nature of thefactors involved, providing evidence for the beneficial impacts of engagementis not always a straightforward task. For a strong body of evidence to beformed, it is essential that conservators continue to create spaces to debatemethods that may open new frontiers.

Effortsto promote inclusion and engagement through museum collections and the broaderheritage sector are becoming even more socially relevant, as in recent years wehave observed a rise in intolerance towards minority groups in traditionallydemocratic societies. The heritage sector is responding strongly, however, asit has the tools to help fight prejudices that are invariably based onmisinformation or manipulation of facts. This book joins these efforts, in theknowledge that nothing can be done without dialogue and engagement.