THE 11TH TRIENNIAL MEETING FOR CONSERVATORS OF THE BALTIC STATES, TARTU, ESTONIA 2017 CHANGING CONTEXTS: FROM ENVIRONMENT TO IDEAS

Year:

Anno 2017/2018

Category:

Conservation

The economic, social and political changes of recent decades have given rise to a serious challenge in the heritage sector. These changes in society bring with them a change in heritage, although, at first sight, this may even seem paradoxical. Heritage is considered something that anchors us to the past, and brings a sense of permanence and assurance to our lives. The truth is that heritage may, but does not necessarily have to, give us support and A sense of place . This can, however, come about only when heritage changes itself constantly. Such a blend of permanence and change characteristic to heritage is achieved by its continual recreation, in which conservators play a special and important role. When dealing with the importance of conservation, besides the often prevalent economic significance, we need to consider its role in shaping identity and creating social cohesion and the part it plays in education and, more generally, in the social communication system. By conserving objects, meanings are created and values presented to the community, and thus to society more generally. An important factor that needs to be stressed is the locality and uniqueness of heritage. Every heritage object and phenomenon is located in a definite environment and is inseparable from it.

The aim of the 11th Triennial Meeting is to highlight the role of the preservation of cultural heritage, and also conservation ethics and skills in changing contexts, as well to emphasise the conservators' role as formers and keepers of our national and common values.

The conference will focus on four main objectives:

●             Organisation and management of preservation and conservation;

●             Cultural heritage as an instrument of social communication;

●             Local and global heritage – the conservator's role and opportunities in the 21st century;

●             Aspects of active conservation. Case studies.