Cultural heritage is a cornerstone of Europe's rich history and identity. In today's rapidly changing world, the preservation, access to, and sustainable use of European cultural heritage have never been more critical. This special issue aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of European cultural heritage, shedding light on its significance, challenges, and opportunities. Against the backdrop of globalization, technological advancements, and evolving societal values, it is essential to examine how we can ensure that Europe's diverse cultural treasures remain accessible and sustainable for future generations. This issue is timely, as it addresses these pressing concerns in the context of contemporary academic discourse.
The primary objective of this special issue is to provide a platform for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to engage in a meaningful dialogue on "Access to and Sustainable Use of European Cultural Heritage." We seek to foster an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas, encouraging the exploration of innovative approaches, best practices, and policy recommendations that can enhance our understanding and management of cultural heritage across Europe.
The broad theme of this special issue encompasses a comprehensive examination of European cultural heritage, encompassing tangible and intangible aspects, from historical sites, artifacts, and archives to traditional knowledge, oral traditions, and cultural practices. It seeks to address both the challenges and opportunities associated with preserving and making accessible this diverse array of heritage assets.
This special issue aims to make significant contributions to the field of cultural heritage studies by:
(1) Advancing knowledge on European cultural heritage, its preservation, and sustainable use.
(2) Facilitating cross-disciplinary collaborations and knowledge sharing among scholars and practitioners.
(3) Informing policy discussions and decision-making processes related to cultural heritage at local, national, and international levels.
(4) Inspiring innovative approaches and best practices for the conservation and accessibility of cultural heritage.
(5) Raising awareness about the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary society and its role in shaping Europe’s future.
We welcome original research articles, review papers, case studies, policy analyses, and innovative projects that contribute to our understanding of the theme. We encourage contributions from diverse disciplines, including but not limited to archaeology, history, anthropology, museology, cultural studies, conservation science, and heritage management.
We invite contributions that delve into, but are not limited to, the following specific areas:
- Preservation and Conservation: Strategies and technologies for safeguarding European cultural heritage, including the role of digitization and virtual reality.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity: Enhancing access to cultural heritage for all, addressing issues of cultural equity, and promoting inclusivity.
- Sustainability: Sustainable management practices, heritage tourism, and the integration of cultural heritage into sustainable development goals.
- Policy and Governance: Analysis of policies, regulations, and governance structures impacting European cultural heritage.
- Community Engagement: Examining the role of local communities in heritage preservation and revitalization.
- Interdisciplinary Approaches: Exploring how various academic disciplines can collaborate to address the complex challenges of cultural heritage.
