On 12 March, the Steering Committee of the European Heritage Hub project held its first meeting. The European Heritage Hub is a platform for cooperation and advocacy for cultural heritage. Led by Europa Nostra, the largest and most representative network of cultural heritage organisations in Europe, the project’s Polish partner is the International Cultural Centre in Krakow. The ICC is leading the second phase of research, which is planned for 2025–2027. The outcome will be a report entitled ‘Mapping of the North and Western European Non-Governmental Heritage Sector’. The Society of Friends of History and Monuments of Kraków is supporting the activities in terms of communication.
Representatives of the project’s partner institutions from various European countries attended the meeting, including organisations and networks active in heritage, culture, cities, digitalisation and climate transformation from Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain, Serbia and Greece. Poland was represented by Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik (Director of the ICC), Dr Joanna Sanetra-Szeliga, and Dr Katarzyna Jagodzińska (members of the research team).
The meeting was focused on discussing the future development of the European Heritage Hub and the role of cultural heritage in addressing the most significant challenges facing Europe today, including social, digital, and climate transformation. Participants devoted considerable attention to the current geopolitical situation, armed conflicts and tensions, which also affect the heritage sector. The European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026, taking place from 26 to 30 May in Cyprus, will provide an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity and to discuss the potential of heritage to drive change.
