Heritage Impact 2010

Our heritage sites and places have always played a central role in the development of our communities. They are a thread of continuity, defining our sense of identity and belonging. But these heritage sites are now facing an unprecedented threat. The long-term erosion of funding sources, coupled with the current economic climate, has the potential to change the heritage landscape. The heritage sector is coming under increasing pressure from funders to measure its benefit to society, to add value to its offerings and to increase self-sustainability. But, as ever, there is still comparatively little evidence for the impact of heritage on society. One of the aims of Heritage Impact 2010 is to bring this information together coherently in one place.

The symposium will explore the processes that influence impact at heritage sites. Assessing the value of cultural heritage and determining its impact on society and the economy is crucial for the future of this sector. As the heritage community begins to understand the processes that influence impact, the sector will be in a better position to influence positive future outcomes. Furthermore, by providing evidence of why certain strategies are successful, this information can be put to direct use by heritage sites to utilise their assets most effectively and influence decisions positively at a policy level. The symposium will explore the following complementary themes: Measuring impact; changing impacts through strategy, marketing and policy; heritage as a regeneration tool; sustainability and heritage; and heritage and the community

Heritage Impact 2010 will provide an opportunity for key stakeholders; practitioners, academics, policy makers, heritage strategists and marketing professionals to share and shape the latest thinking on the direction of research and on strategies for improving and evaluating impact in the cultural heritage sector. The measurement of impact is seen therefore, not as an academic or political exercise, but as the cornerstone of future heritage strategy.

More information: www.heritageimpact.org