Empowering Local Communities for Smart and Sustainable Cultural Heritage (Webinar 26 March 2025, 17.00 CET)

This webinar will follow up on the theme of participative approaches to local development and is titled “Empowering Local Communities for Smart and Sustainable Cultural Heritage: Bridging Expertise, Digital Change, and Partnerships”. It will take place online on Wednesday 26 March 2025 at 17:00 CET. This webinar is led by Rosalba La Grotteria and Giuseppe Pace.

Registration is now open for this LDnet webinar: HERE

Description

This webinar delves into the critical role of local communities in driving transitions towards an inclusive, smart, and sustainable approach to cultural heritage valorisation. With the rapid evolution of digital technologies and the growing demand for innovative partnerships, it is imperative to equip communities with the expertise, tools, and policies necessary to embrace this transformation. Participants will explore strategies for making cultural heritage more accessible and relevant for education, research, creation, and recreation, while fostering a sense of shared ownership and innovation.

The event will be an opportunity to:

– present practical case studies on how digital change can enhance cultural heritage impact;

– explore how disused physical spaces (former factories or barracks) can find a new function;

– discuss participatory frameworks and methodologies to promote active community involvement.

The webinar aims to inspire pathways for creating a more knowledgeable, creative, and inclusive society, rooted in a dynamic and resilient cultural heritage landscape.

Moderator: Alexander Covine (Interpret Europe, Director)

Speakers:

• Giuseppe Pace (LDnet and CNR-IRISS, Senior Researcher)
• Rosalba La Grotteria (LDnet and Hangar, Project Manager)
• Antony Cassar (Heritage Malta)
• Haris Martinos (LDnet and Paros Ancient Quarries)
• Roberta De Bonis Patrignani (LINKS Foundation)

Draft agenda:

17.00 – 17.05  Welcome by Alexander Covine (Interpret Europe)

17.05 – 17.15  Activating communities for the heritage valorisation (Giuseppe Pace, LDnet and CNR-IRISS)

17.15 – 17.25 The Digital culture and digital change for the Culture (Rosalba La Grotteria, LDnet and Hangar Piemonte)

17.25 – 17.40  From Artefacts to Memories – Creating a “Memory Twin” of the Malta Dockyard Collection (Antony Cassar, Heritage Malta)

17.40 – 17.55  Promoting the White Marble of Paros (Haris Martinos, LDnet and Paros Ancient Quarries)

17.55 – 18.10 Crespi d’Adda: Communities engaged in Crafting a Smart  Management Plan (Roberta De Bonis Patrignani, Fondazione Links)

18.10 – 18.40  Discussion on the methods and approaches fostering active community involvement in cultural heritage valorisation (provisional title)

18.40 – 18.45  Closing remarks (Alexander Covine)