International Heritage News
01
2024 Asia-Pacific Region Training in Archaeological Site and Artefact Conservation Management
Since 2000, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, the Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU Nara), and the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan have jointly launched various capacity-building and outreach programs. These target young professionals involved in cultural heritage survey, conservation, and management in the Asia-Pacific region.
The course aims to enable participants to learn conservation and management systems, as well as methods for surveying, documenting, and utilizing archaeological sites and artifacts based on Japanese case studies.
This training program adopts a hybrid format. Online sessions will run from August 26 to September 10, 2024, while in-person activities in Nara will take place from September 20 to October 4, 2024. The application deadline is June 16, 2024. Interested applicants should complete the application form and send it via email to nara@accu.or.jp.
Source: www.iccrom.org
02
Call for Papers: ICOMOS Theophilos ISC Conference – “Authenticity in a European Perspective: 30 Years of the Nara Document on Authenticity”
2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter (1964) and the 30th anniversary of the Nara Document on Authenticity (1994). The ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Theory and Philosophy of Conservation and Restoration (Theophilos ISC) previously held a scientific conference in Florence in March 2024 titled “60 Years of the Venice Charter: Theoretical Documents in Cultural Heritage Conservation.” Discussions focused on interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of the Charter’s effectiveness. Authenticity emerged repeatedly as a key concept requiring deeper exploration.
The upcoming autumn conference in Thessaloniki, Greece, is titled “Authenticity in a European Perspective – 30 Years of the Nara Document on Authenticity.”
The conference aims to conduct a comprehensive discussion on authenticity in heritage conservation theory and practice across three dimensions:
1.Authenticity as a theoretical element in conservation theory
2.Analysis of authenticity in heritage conservation processes (methodology)
3.Critical case studies of authenticity in conservation practice
Abstract submission: https://forms.gle/SpuvK8UWNxGvG7Tk7
Limit: 2500 characters (~300 words)
Deadline: September 15, 2024
Source: China Association of Cultural Relics Protection
03
2024 American Alliance of Museums Summit – Call for Proposals: “The Future of Museums”
Themes include:
·Culture Wars 2.0
·Artificial Intelligence advancements
·Decarbonized futures
·Combating loneliness
The summit will be held in person on October 29–30, 2024.
Submission deadline: July 12, 2024.
Source: www.aam-us.org
04
ICOM Award Call for Applications
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) Award is the first global award dedicated to sustainability practices in the museum sector. It recognizes the power of museums to drive positive change and contribute meaningfully to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The award encourages museums to engage in SDG implementation and highlight concrete actions taken, serving as a platform for advancing sustainable development efforts in the museum field.
Application deadline: September 30, 2024
Source: icom.museum
05
First Global Mangrove Assessment Warns of Collapse Risk
Results of the first global mangrove ecosystem assessment were released on International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22). This is the first comprehensive global application of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLE), a global standard for measuring ecosystem health.
Key findings:
·50% of mangrove ecosystems globally are at risk of collapse (classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered)
·19.6% are at very high risk (endangered or critically endangered)
As part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Red List of Ecosystems is a key tool for addressing biodiversity loss. The assessment identifies major drivers of mangrove degradation and supports future national conservation and restoration actions. It also contributes to global initiatives such as the “Mangrove Breakthrough,” which aims to secure the future of 150,000 square kilometers of mangroves.
Source: IUCN “Nature Observed”
Domestic Heritage News
01
“The Great Wall: A Shared Journey” – Major Documentary Series Airs
On the 40th anniversary of the “Love Our China, Repair Our Great Wall” initiative, a 10-episode documentary titled The Great Wall: A Shared Journey began airing on May 20.
Guided by the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Beijing Municipal Party Committee Publicity Department, the series is produced by Beijing Radio and Television Station and the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, with support from several districts including Pinggu, Yanqing, Miyun, Huairou, Changping, and Mentougou.
The documentary explores the Great Wall through multiple dimensions: its physical length and structure, internal details, cultural meaning, historical lineage, and spiritual symbolism. It highlights both the material and cultural aspects of the Great Wall, as well as differences across regions and historical periods. It also emphasizes stories from the Beijing section of the Great Wall and integrates new research perspectives and contemporary narratives.
Source: National Cultural Heritage Administration
02
Deepening China–France Cooperation in Cultural Heritage
From May 5–7, 2024, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to France.
During the visit, both sides issued four joint statements and signed nearly 20 cooperation agreements. These include:
·An agreement between the China Cultural Relics Exchange Center and the Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts on mutual exhibitions
·A cooperation agreement between the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum and the French Foundation for Cultural Heritage Science on research into wooden remains and earthen sites
Over the years, China and France have continuously promoted cooperation in heritage conservation, restoration, exhibitions, and archaeological research, strengthening cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Source: National Cultural Heritage Administration
03
13th Management Committee Meeting of UNESCO Asia-Pacific Intangible Cultural Heritage Training Center Held in Beijing
On May 16, 2024, the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Intangible Cultural Heritage International Training Center held its 13th Management Committee meeting in Beijing, chaired by Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Zhang Zheng.
The meeting reviewed and approved the 2023 annual report and 2024 work plan.
According to the 2024 plan, the center will:
·Organize 11 training sessions in the Asia-Pacific region
·Launch an online “intangible cultural heritage classroom”
·Collect case studies on “ICH and sustainable development”
Source: China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center
04
Results Announced: Top 10 Cultural Heritage Study Cases and Routes
From May 27–29, the final evaluation meeting of the “Top 10 Cultural Heritage Study Cases and Top 10 Routes Selection Program” was held in Zhengzhou.
The event was jointly organized by China Cultural Relics News, Henan Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau, the Alliance for Chinese Civilization Study Tours, and the China Cultural Heritage Communication Center, among others.
A panel of 11 experts evaluated submissions from museums, tourism, education, and cultural sectors, selecting:
·Top 10 cultural heritage study cases
·30 outstanding cases
·Top 10 study routes
·10 outstanding routes
·Outstanding organizing institutions
Selected examples include:
·“Ancient China” General Knowledge Study Program by the National Museum of China
·“Entering Shenyang Imperial Palace” by Shenyang Palace Museum
·“Sharing a River of Culture – Yangtze River Delta Heritage Study Program” by Nanjing Museum
Source: Museum China
Compiled by: Ma Lerong
Editors: Ma Lerong, Piao Lina
Reviewers: Li Guanghan, Wang Siyu
Final Review: Shen Ruiwen, Zhang Jianwei
