New 6-week Course on First Aid to Cultural Heritage

I’ve been forwarded information on a new course sponsored by the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) on First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Conflict in collaboration with UNESCO and the Blue Shield network.

Here are the details:

Dates: 17 September – 29 October 2010 (6 weeks)

Place: Rome, with study visits to other cities in Italy

With the cooperation of: UNESCO, Blue Shield and specialized international and national agencies

Background

In the past decades, armed conflicts worldwide have involved deliberate or accidental damage to cultural heritage. Conflicts cause the weakening of governments and societies and endanger the core values that hold communities together. Cultural heritage thus plays a crucial role in recovering from such situations. In times of conflict, however, all operations can be delayed because access is often restricted by military, security, or law enforcement agencies. Consequently, it is essential for everyone working in these areas to understand how and when to intervene to protect endangered cultural heritage while humanitarian efforts are under way.

Objectives

• Understand the values associated with cultural heritage and the impact that conflict has on them;
• Apply ethics and principles of conservation in extreme conditions;
• Assess and manage risks to cultural heritage in conflict situations;
• Take peacetime preparatory action to improve response in times of conflict;
• Secure, salvage and stabilize a variety of cultural materials;
• Understand international legal instruments protecting cultural heritage during conflicts;
• Communicate successfully with the various actors involved, and work in teams;

Methodology           

The course will comprise of interactive lectures, group activities, practical sessions, simulations, site visits and case studies. Participants will be asked to develop case studies drawing from their own experience and work context.

Participants

The course is aimed at those who are actively involved in the protection of cultural heritage within a variety of institutions (libraries, museums, archives, sites, departments of antiquities or archaeology, religious and community centres, etc.). It is also aimed at professionals from humanitarian and cultural aid organizations, as well as military, civilian and civil defense personnel. Those with experience in conflict situations are particularly encouraged to apply.

A maximum of 22 participants will be selected.

Working Language: English

Course Fee: 900 € (Euro)

Travel, Accommodation and Living Expenses

Participants are responsible for their round-trip travel costs to and from Rome, Italy, and for all living expenses. To cover the cost of living, participants should plan for a minimum allowance of 2,000 € (Euro) for the entire duration of the course. This sum is based on the cost of moderately priced accommodations. Candidates are strongly encouraged to seek financial support from sources such as governmental institutions, employers and funding agencies.

Financial Assistance

Upon request, the organizers will offer financial support to a limited number of selected candidates who can demonstrate their inability to secure funding.

Application

Please use the ICCROM application form [http://www.iccrom.org/eng/01train_en/forms_en/applfrm_en.doc].  In your submission, include a 700-word personal statement that summarizes your experience and highlights the relevance of the course to your current or future projects. Applications should be sent by regular mail to the following address or by e-mail:

First Aid to Cultural Heritage in Times of Conflict

Collections Unit – ICCROM

Via di San Michele,13

00153 ROME RM, ITALY

Tel +39 06 585531 Fax +39 06 58553349

E-mail: aidinconflict@iccrom.org

Application deadline: 14 May, 2010