Cultural Heritage in Conflict Context Conference

Colombia’s Cultural Heritage policy aims to “rescue” the intangible heritage of cultural forms of expression, establishing links with public institutions in different sectors and following the guidelines of UNESCO’s 2003 Policy for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.

At a national level, “Safeguarding Plans” are actions promoted to protect Cultural Heritage of the different ethnic communities, plans developed with the involvement of public institutions. This differs slightly from the patrimony-based approach taken in the United Kingdom. 

In order to raise public awareness of the importance of Cultural Heritage and the urgency to take measures for its protection in conflict areas. CH4IG Colombia, a British Council programme, has convened the Conference:

• Conflict and Cultural Heritage, to be held at the Tequendama Hotel in Bogota, March 13th-14th 2019, where experts from the “Culture in Crisis Programme” at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, will share their experience working in this area.
• The main goals of the conference are: recognize different points of view on the meaning of Cultural Heritage and its safeguarding, discuss the current protection initiatives proposed by the international community, share experiences and knowledge by governmental and non-governmental entities and indigenous leaders from the communities involved in the CH4IG Colombia programme. The Conference is also space for a dialogue on Cultural Heritage and its protection by local and international attendees.

The conference is of interest to governmental entities, institutions involved in heritage protection, and researchers in the area. A number of local experts will give 30-minute presentations on their stance on the conference topics.

How has the Colombian conflict-affected material and intangible Cultural Heritage, as well as traditions and knowledge? How did social conflict in Colombia influence the protection/preservation of places of cultural interest? What strategies have the communities developed to protect and preserve their heritage and safeguard their culture? What is the relationship between the peace process and agreements, and the initiatives to safeguard heritage? Which are the main threats and/or challenges in material and intangible heritage protection? These are some of the questions we would like to address.