Collaboration in Times of Crisis: Preserving Natural and Cultural Heritage

27 – 28 April 2023

From 27 to 28 April 2023, the international conference "Collaboration In Times Of Crisis: Preserving Natural And Cultural Heritage" will take place in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Click here to download a full Conference Programme including speakers and presentation information.

The conference is prepared by the Georgian National Museum in collaboration with the V&A's Culture in Crisis Programme, the Centre for Study and Promotion of Natural and Cultural Heritage of Georgia, and the Rathgen Research Laboratory of the National Museums in Berlin – Prussian Cultural Heritage.

Conference Concept

The conference will explore the value of collaboration when working to preserve natural and cultural heritage; before, during and after times of crisis. We will bring together international experts with a shared interest in the protection of heritage, from various backgrounds, disciplines, and approaches.

Conflict, criminal activities, and the impacts of the climate crisis - alongside fundamental changes to social, political, and economic systems - have long represented a serious threat to both natural and cultural heritage. Understanding the potential impacts of complex and dynamic situations, managing various risks, as well actively addressing threats are all necessary stages in their successful protection. Rarely are these things, we can do alone.

Through the conference, we will explore key thematic areas, including:

• The value of networks and alternative frameworks for cooperation
• The civic role of museums and heritage organisations; before, during and after crisis.
• Partnership beyond traditional boundaries of working – with particular reference to engagement with humanitarian organisations, the media and the military.

For more information on the conference, its ambitions and outputs, click here.

To download a Conference Programme, click here.

Join us Online

The conference organisers are pleased to be able to offer a live-streaming service for both days of the conference. To sign up, click the links below to register for each of the 2 days.

Register to Attend Online (Day 1 of 2)

Register to Attend Online (Day 2 of 2)

In-person attendance to the conference is limited, with priority offered to heritage professionals working in the region. If you would like to attend, please register your interest by emailing cultureincrisis@vam.ac.uk.

Support

This conference is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (UK) and the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Germany.