Proposals for communications should contain the following information: 

• Name of the Author(s)

• Afilliation

• E-mail

• Thematic line addressed by the proposal [by order of relevance]

• Title [160 characters]

• Abstract [maximum 300 words]

• 3-5 keywords

• Short biography of each author [maximum 150 words]

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All the proposals will be selected by the Scientific Committee, based on the merit and balance of the event programme according to the following criteria: relevance, innovation, scientific quality, and organisation of sessions. 

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The language will be English, potentiating both the constructive communication between participants and the international dissemination.

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Proposals must be submitted until 30 September 2023 to the following email contacts:
 

congress.artis@letras.ulisboa.pt  ||  claramourasoares@letras.ulisboa.pt
 

A selection of essays chosen by the Scientific Committee will be published in an international  journal Conservar Património indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. The other papers will be published in a book, with double blind peer-revision and with DOI.

__MAJOR THEMATIC HEADLINES 

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1 | Authenticity and integrity

Preserving heritage authenticity and/or integrity carries significant challenges in the face of evolving societal, cultural, and economic dynamics. It requires a delicate balance between conservation and necessary interventions to ensure longevity and integrity. However, boundaries between the definitions of conservation, maintenance, repairing, restoration, rehabilitation, or reconstruction are diffused, especially when comparing different cultures’ values. Striking the right balance between these approaches remains thus a critical challenge, requiring innovative strategies, education, training and capacity building, interdisciplinary collaborations, engagement with local communities, and a deep understanding of heritage’s cultural significance and values.
 

2 | Sustainable conservation and management

The sustainable heritage conservation and management presents multifaceted challenges, requiring subtle compromises that must take into careful consideration numerous factors. The (re)functionalization (or adaptive reuse) respecting actual requirements, in terms of stability, thermal and acoustic comfort, energy and water efficiency, sustainable materials, recycling and waste sorting, circularity and durability of interventions, require multidisciplinary approaches and innovation. The management of cultural heritage, in the context of mass tourism, urbanization and globalization, issues that impact hardly the cultural heritage, request ethical considerations, community active engagement, empowerment in decision-making processes, holistic approaches for a long-term vision and, above all, a large and pragmatic education and awareness-raising strategy.

 

3 | Identity and transculturality

Heritage is often imbued with layered meanings and multiple narratives that reflect diverse cultural influences and historical complexities. Globalization, migration, and cultural exchange have created minority hybrid cultures that involve a permanent negotiation concerning the notions of identity, inclusivity, cultural representation, accommodation, and diversity. Transcultural heritages are unique forms of cross-cultural interaction that require sensitivity and open dialogue. However, when referring to contested minorities’ heritage, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexity of their identity narratives, especially when confronted by hegemonic discourses.
 

4 | Climate change

Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and other climate-related impacts threaten the integrity of heritage sites worldwide, destroying or degrading historic structures, cultural landscapes, living traditions, and biodiversity, among others. Climate change poses significant challenges to the preservation and sustainability of cultural heritage, which demands the development of innovative techniques for monitoring and protecting heritage sites, making them resilient. Mitigating the impacts of climate change on heritage requires a multifaceted approach that includes robust risk assessment, climate adaptation strategies, integration of sustainable practices, and the engage local communities.

 

5 | Digital technologies

Digital technologies have brought exciting opportunities and unique challenges, offering innovative tools for documenting, conserving, interpreting, and disseminating cultural heritage. While digital technologies provide immersive virtual experiences, there is a risk of reducing heritage to a mere digital representation, diluting the tangible and sensory aspects that make it unique. The digitization of heritage materials also raises questions about the authenticity and integrity of digital representations compared to physical artifacts or sites. It is essential to adopt best practices, standards, and ethical guidelines for digital projects, engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, and ensure the inclusivity and accessibility of digital heritage resources.

6 | Other heritage(s)

The emergence of new kinds of heritage presents unique challenges that require thoughtful consideration. While traditional notions of heritage often focus on historic buildings, archaeological sites, and tangible artifacts, new concepts of heritage have expanded to encompass intangible and living forms of cultural expression (cultural practices, oral traditions, performing arts, digital creations, and even contemporary cultural phenomena). A major challenge is, therefore, defining the boundaries and criteria for recognizing and safeguarding these new forms of heritage, since intangible heritage is fluid, evolving, and deeply intertwined with communities and social practices. Additionally, these new forms of heritage defy conventional notions of permanence and materiality, demanding thus new strategies for interpretation. And also some new challenges such as heritage decolonisation, degendering, artefacts returning, etc.

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