“Our cultural heritage is more than the memory of our past; it is the key to our future.” says Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport in relation to the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018
We Europeans share a rich cultural heritage that not only surrounds us, but has significantly shaped our lives. This heritage is a testament to Europe’s eventful, rich history and great cultural diversity. In its chronology, Europe has seen itself regularly confronted with major and minor conflicts and schisms, all of which have left their mark on its cultural heritage. Inner-European, as well as inter-cultural dialogue, in addition to the adoption of ideas, skills, and experiences, not to mention the improvement of mutual understanding, have all contributed to the advancement of Europe as a whole and in its component states. In this present day, this understanding has the potential, and significance to overcome many challenges. Out of this awareness it was possible to initiate the European Cultural Heritage Year.
Of primary importance to the cultural heritage year is tolerance for the other, the search for ties, and the search for answers to “how much of Europe is in us and our surroundings?” Arguably, it follows that our shared cultural heritage is both local and European, and upon this premise there should be greater interaction between people.
In keeping with the motto, “Sharing Heritage,” the public is invited to participate in this year’s theme by drawing on their own cultural backgrounds. All aspects of cultural heritage will be welcomed. A focal point will be architectural heritage given that it especially lends itself to authenticity and presentation, which, within the context of cultural education, will be used to put children and youth in touch with their history and culture, as well as other tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This year should ever so more raise awareness of the European dimension to cultural heritage.
It was in March 2015 that the federal and state governments agreed to support the initiative for a European Cultural Heritage Year. Their vision:
The European Cultural Heritage Year is to reach the widest breadth of society. Especially the younger generations as a group should be targeted because they will be the “inheritors of the heritage.” Similarly, people who until now have only had limited access to cultural heritage should also be addressed. Public participation and education that is in line with cultural heritage is to be given special consideration, especially when there are new, advanced digital possibilities for users. Ultimately, discovering and understanding Europe’s cultural diversity, as well as its non-European links, allows for greater shared dialogue. Furthermore, cultural orientation and the acknowledgement of culture’s inherent value fosters, together with inter-cultural dialogue, an acceptance of the cultural identities of others.
Sources:
„Europäisches Kulturerbejahr 2018: Sharing Heritage. Nationale Vermittlungsstrategie für Kinder und Jugendliche“, Dynalog GmbH im Auftrag der Geschäftsstelle des Deutschen Nationalkomitees für Denkmalschutz (DNK) bei der Beauftragten der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien
„Konzeptpapier zum Europäischen Kulturerbejahr 2018“
Deutsches Nationalkomitee für Denkmalschutz (DNK) im Auftrag der Beauftragen der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien.
