Mega-events have been changing their relationship with the city, now more commonly using existing infrastructures and facilities. In Europe and other parts of the world, this may put historic city centres and broader heritage assets under stress. How can cities rich in culture host mega-events without putting their own heritage at risk? How can mega-events become effective ways to promote and protect tangible and intangible heritage?

The webinar will introduce and launch the “Charter for Mega-events in Heritage-rich Cities” that responds to these questions. The Charter derives from the HOMEE research project that investigated case studies across Europe and involved organizations, experts and professionals in the field. It provides principles and policy recommendations for decision makers and event organisers to avoid typical pitfalls while cooperating with the heritage sector.

During the webinar sessions, leading international experts and policy-makers will discuss the Charter and engage with current and future challenges regarding mega-events, heritage and the city.

Confirmed speakers:

  • Pascal Liévaux (Chair of the EU Joint Programming Initiatives on Cultural Heritage)
  • Massimo Bricocoli (Director, Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano)
  • Ana Kočegarova (Head of Programme, Kaunas 2022 European Capital of Culture)
  • Krzysztof Maj (Director General, Culture Zone Wrocław)
  • Marco Edoardo Minoja (Cultural Director, City of Milan)
  • Maria Panayides (General Manager of Eleusis 2023 European Capital of Culture)
  • Maria Gravari-Barbas (Director of the UNESCO Chair “Tourism, Culture, Development”, Paris 1- Sorbonne University)
  • Jordi Pascual (Coordinator of the Secretariat of the Committee on Culture of United Cities and Local Governments)
  • Robert Piaskowski (Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Krakow for Culture, on behalf of the Organization of World Heritage Cities)
  • Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović (Secretary General, Europa Nostra)

You can review the Charter’s principles and recommendations HERE. Additional information on the project’s development can be found on the TAU Lab Website.

Contact Person: zachary.jones@polimi.it

The online launch event will be live-streamed. Participants will receive an email with the necessary links, programme and other materials prior to July 8. During the event they will be able to interact with speakers through the chat feature.

For more information and the registration, please visit here.