Session 2- Engaging Communities for Enriched Sustainability 2

By Jelena Zgora, Brinda Gaitonde Nayak and Sofía Terán

The second session on the first day consisted of an eclectic mix of projects from Congo to Tibet to Australia and India, each reinforcing the importance of community engagement and showing the need of including anthropological methods to perform integral approaches to heritage.

Confessing gaps in knowledge to initiate discussion and empower local communities as guardians and true connoisseurs of their own heritage? Yes! This original, moving, and yet simple concept presented by Muriel Verbeeck is at the heart of a joint initiative between two universities (Kinshasa and Liège), two conservation training courses (Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, Ecole Supérieure des Arts Saint-Luc) and the Institut des Musées Nationaux du Congo. 

Using conservation as a tool for exercising cultural rights is realized through We have gaps exhibitions of objects with losses (or hologram devices representing them) hosted at different sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Conservators and curators explained the state of the object, inviting the public to find synonyms in local languages. 

By admitting lack of knowledge, they invite people to share any relevant information. The response was outstanding as people have shown interest in conservation and were eager to share their tradition and knowledge, helping restore meaning of objects and adding value to cultural diversity, uniting in desire to preserve heritage despite the challenging conditions and conflicts they live in.

Half of the session featured two compelling topics. The first, presented by Professor Richard Mulholland, explored the ethical and cultural challenges of conserving and managing Tibetan skull drums known as thöd-rnga. Donated to Northumbria University in 2023, these ritual instruments, crafted from human remains, are being researched and conserved in a respectful and decolonizing manner. 

Key considerations, such as repatriation, political tensions in Tibet, the historical significance of these drums from a now-extinct tradition, their composition from human remains, and contemporary exhibition trends, illustrate the complexities faced by conservators that extend beyond the materiality of the objects. The presentation concluded that the drums will continue to be subjects of study and analysis, aiding in the understanding of their intricate web of associated values. Meanwhile they will primarily serve as research resources for academics and Tibetan experts while a comprehensive proposal for their exhibition (or not) is developed.

Then we had the opportunity to enjoy and understand the complexity of rock art conservation in Australia. The presentation started highlighting the importance of amplifying Australian Indigenous voices and understanding the sites as essential links to ancestral cultures. To preserve this type of heritage, the speakers address the growing threats of climate change, industrial development, and tourism that currently are stressing the need for culturally sensitive preservation. The team explained their collaboration with the Gariwerd Rock Art Management Forum (GRAMF) that could gather traditional owners, rangers, and indigenous experts to integrate different perspectives into conservation strategies; prioritizing indigenous leadership and self-determination to create an easy and complete Guide for Indigenous Rangers that aligns indigenous and western conservation approaches.

The last paper in the session focussed on evolving two distinct strategies for conserving the wall paintings of a temple in southern India, both methodologies aimed at community engagement and sustainability. 

Towards this, the aid of virtual reality has been used to project the extent of the wall paintings and associated damage. Green applications to clean soot and other incense burning residues associated with the temple rituals were explored using recreated mockups simulating active worship. 

Rachel Rivenc (session chair) opened up the discussion asking each speaker about the criteria for successful community engagement. While Billy spoke passionately about bringing the issues of the aboriginal people together at the forum, Melissa stressed the importance of community led approaches with conservators either alongside or perhaps even a step back. 

In addition, Richard emphasized historical and ethical research prior to making decisions with stakeholders, while Moupi and Chiara talked about the possibilities of introducing new technologies (like AI) to the construction of preservation proposals and all the work that goes into the pre-approach with communities to demonstrate the importance of carrying out conservation projects. 

Online participants were enthusiastic throughout the session. At the end of each presentation, they sent congratulations and applause emojis to raise the energy of the congress. Several questions were posted on the chat that were kindly answered by Billy, Melissa, Muriel, Richard and Moupi. After 30 minutes of discussion, the session ended with an invitation for the inauguration dinner at the Contemporary Art Museum in Lima. 

Even though the online public and online DEVs could not join the party, we all left joyful and satisfied with the first day of activities! 

BLOG AUTHORS AND BYLINES: 

Jelena Zagora is a paintings conservator at the Croatian Conservation Institute, Department in Split.

Brinda Gaitonde Nayak is a conservation architect who works on World Heritage Sites in India

Sofiá Terán is a contemporary art conservator currently working at the University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC) of the National University of Mexico.