HeritageLens: Visual Narratives on Cultural Heritage resilience against Climate Change

Programme(s): Creative Europe Programme (CREA)

Project ID: 101173383

Topic(s): CREA-CULT-2024-COOP-1

Type of action: CREA Lump Sum Grants

Objective:
The HeritageLens project emerges from a pressing need to address the escalating threats of climate change to Europe's cultural heritage. As climate change jeopardizes iconic heritage sites, the project aims to shift the narrative from traditional conservation to illuminating the resilience of communities against climate change. The project leverages the collective resources and expertise of four established photography centers (in Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Spain), with extensive experience in photography training, curation, exhibitions and festivals. It advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together emerging photographers, cultural heritage experts, and environmental activists to foster a holistic understanding of the challenges. The project's cornerstone is transnational interdisciplinary workshops, in a hybrid format to reach a wider audience, cultivating cross-disciplinary interactions. Concurrently, 12 selected emerging European photographers from different contries will embark on a collaborative exploration, capturing cultural heritage's resilience in diverse contexts. The project balances individual creativity with guidance, aiming to weave these narratives into a cohesive portrayal of climate change impacts. The curated exhibition, presented in participating coutriesn and beyond, complemented by a digital publication and a good practices manual, serve as platforms to engage the genaral public in dialogue and reflection on this issue. The project's ambition is not only to raise awareness but to facilitate the transnational creation and circulation of European artistic works, bridging the gap between awareness and action. HeritageLens aspires to transcend national boundaries, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the shared challenges faced by European societies and inspiring a sense of responsibility toward climate action and the preservation of cultural heritage.