Last 16th May the RICC (Regional Initiative for Culture and Creativity) Network, in collaboration with EU institutions and other EU networks (NECSTOUR, EuropaNostra and ERRIN), organized the conference The Regional and Local Dimension under the Cultural Heritage in Brussels.
Representatives of the European Commission (DG EAC and DG Research & Innovation) and Silvia Costa, European Parliament Member of the Culture Committee participated in the conference.
All these representatives highlighted the relevant role that the CREADIS3 INTERREG Europe project has, both in the European Year of Cultural Heritage and in their contributions to the EU regions development in the scope of the Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs).
The conference also introduced good practices from different regions of the European Union concerning the link CCIs and Cultural Heritage, with a positive feedback and evaluation from the European Commission and EU stakeholders. Those good practices are the RICC contribution concerning the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.
Under the First panel, introduced by Maciej Hofman, from EC, DG EAC, Unit D1 – Cultural policy, the scope of Engagement was covered. The role of culture and cultural heritage in the active participation of young citizens, inclusion of refugees or migrants and the accessibility for disabled people was highlighted.
During this session, moderated by Piet Jaspaer, Vice-President of Europa Nostra, the following regional representatives took part:
- Emilia Romagna Region, Gianni Cottafavi, Head of Department Culture and Youth, DG Knowledge Economy, Labour and Enterprise, From accessibility to enjoyment: inclusion projects in CH and performing arts
- Barcelona Provincial Council, Lluís Rius Font - Division of Cultural Services, CH Office: The Tactile Gaze, museums with the five senses
- Region Skåne - Caisa Lindfors, CH Developer at Department for Culture: Cultural heritage institutions and integration of migrants
- Tuscany Region, Annalisa Giachi, Research Coordinator - Network of Cities for Culture Project Officer: LUBEC – International Forum for the inclusive participation of local communities to the promotion of Cultural Heritage
The second session was under the responsibility of Anne Grady, from the European Commission DG EAC. This second part of the conference dealt with EU policies on cultural and sustainable tourism. In fact, the incomparable cultural heritage of Europe makes it the key cultural tourism destination (40% of all European tourism and 4 out of 10 tourists choose their destination based on its cultural offer). It was discussed how the Regions and the EU can achieve a balanced approach between tourism industry and the preservation of the cultural heritage.
During this session, moderated by Sandra de Puig - NECSTOUR network, the following regional representatives participated:
- Veneto Region - Fausta Bressani, Director at Culture Department: Public-private partnerships in Veneto Region for preserving and enhancing the tangible and intangible cultural heritage
- Ile de France Region- Sophie de Moustier: Promoting regional cultural heritage: a label for unprotected heritage, an asset for territories
- Lombardy Region - Elisa Storace Museimpresa – Corporate Archives and Museums Italian Association: Cultural heritage and industrial tourism in Lombardy: Kartell Museo’s experience
- Canary Island – Christian Perazzone: Canary Island, an open gate to tourism, cultural heritage and sustainability
Finally, the third session, devoted to Innovation and protection, focused on how Cultural Heritage is linked to protection, innovation and cultural diplomacy. The CREADIS3 and CREHUB INTERREG Europe projects are valuable examples that seek to achieve these outcomes.
Zoltan Krasznai, European Commission – DG Research & Innovation - B6 – Open and Inclusive Societies introduced the following regional representatives, moderated by Pirita Lindholm, Director of ERRIN network:
- Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia - Anna Del Bianco Director at Department for culture, made a presentation about solidarity and sport: regional innovative strategies to promote cultural heritage, and also mentioned the relevant role of CREADIS3 and CREHUB projects on the Regional development of the CCIs.
- Basque Country - Borja de Aguinagalde Olaizola, Director of the Basque Archive and Documentary Heritage Center, who highlighted the role of CREADIS3 amd CREHUB projects in terms of Regional coordination, and also made an introduction called Basque Country Heritage Archive: from regional to global, through innovation and linking to the European heritage and history .
- Castilla la Mancha -Luis Rubio Bremard, Brussels Office- a best practice focused on the protection of archeological sites.
- Sicily Region- Arch. Daniela Guarneri, Founder & CEO of the REVIVE srl start-up.
