Old Heritage Values, New Heritage Values: Conference Keynotes

I gave prominent conference talks in Canberra and Rockhampton last month. He shared thoughts on cultural heritage, delivering deeply researched, evidence-led and practically focussed talks.

Rockhampton: Old Heritage Values, New Heritage Values

Dr James Lesh in Rockhampton. (LGAQ)

The keynote explored the traditional and changing values of heritage conservation. I examined first how ‘aesthetic’ and ‘historic’ values have long motivated conservation. I then considered the ways that ‘social’ and other alternative values have been incorporated into heritage activities. I lastly speculated about the ‘future values’ of cultural heritage. The practical focus of the talk was the ways that Australian and global legislation, policy, and best-practice guidelines can address ‘old’ and ‘new’ heritage values.

The Local Government Association of Queensland, with the Heritage section of the Queensland Department of Environment and Science, hosted me for the conference at the Rockhampton Heritage Village. The audience included heritage planners and other council officers, elected local government officials, state agency representatives and heritage professionals.

Canberra: Values in Cities

Dr James Lesh in Rockhampton. (National Trust of Australia – ACT)

My keynote provided an overview of the history of the Australian heritage movement and its efforts in achieving lasting heritage protections for the built environment. It argued that urban heritage is a dynamic and evolving area of cultural activity, which must strive to be responsive to changing attitudes and social priorities. The talk was based on my book Values in Cities: Urban Heritage in Twentieth-Century Australia.

The National Trust ACT hosted me at the Australian National University for the ACT Region Heritage Symposium. The audience included elected and government officials, planners and architects, and heritage professionals and advocates.