The Australian Heritage Movement: Change and Continuity

ICOMOS 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium Scientific Symposium

Heritage Changes 31 August – 9 September 2023,

Sydney, Australia

Bringing together leading voices, the panel on the 'Australian Heritage Movement' explores the relationship between social movements and cultural heritage. It is focussed on how voluntary bodies, such as professional organisations and community groups, affect positive change for heritage places. It recognises that social movements have long had a significant role to play within heritage management, from pushing the boundaries of protections through to engaging in conservation and interpretation. Another area of discussion is how Australian heritage movements have contributed to - and been impacted by - global ideas and activities.

Across the world, social movements have had a significant role in shaping heritage places. With its more than 50,000 years of cultural heritage, Australia has been no different. From the start of the twentieth century, enthusiasts campaigned for the protection of monuments and relics. The postwar period marked a watershed for cultural heritage, with new activist bodies and progressive professionals advocating for stronger conservation protections. The 1970s generation of activists - incorporating Indigenous land rights campaigners and union-initiated 'green bans' - were successful in introducing new professional and legal models for heritage places. The professionalisation of cultural heritage meant more places were conserved than ever before. Yet, contradictorily, communities were often left out of activities. More recently, a new generation have sought to re-centre communities and give voice to a diversity of people. Indigenous heritage has been a particular focal point.

Meanwhile, the heritage movement has also been significant in bringing about strengthened heritage practice. The Burra Charter of 1979 was the culmination of the activism of the 1970s. Australians saw themselves as part of a global movement to strengthen cultural heritage, often through international institutions, such as ICOMOS, with the Australian chapter established in 1976. At times, the engagement between Australians and ICOMOS has been strained. The sustained activism of global heritage professionals has, however, overcome the challenges of previous generations. An ICOMOS / UNESCO meeting was first held in Cairns, Australia in 2000. Two decades later, Australia hosts the ICOMOS General Assembly for the first time in Sydney. The panel will reflect on the past, present and future trajectories of the Australian heritage movement in global perspective.

Participants

• James Lesh

• David Burdon (NSW National Trust)

• Hannah Lewi (University of Melbourne / DOCOMOMO)

• Susan Macdonald (Getty Conservation Institute)

• Lyndon Ormond-Parker (Australian National University)

• Tracy Ireland (University of Canberra/ Australia ICOMOS)

Key Questions

• How do heritage movements shape cultural heritage?

• What is the relationship between heritage movements and professional practice?

• How has the Australian heritage movement connected to global activities?

Session Format

The panel involves six panellists including the chair. It will be hosted as part of the Heritage Exposition. The event will be presented in such a way as to be accessible to both GA delegates and to the broader community. All are welcome to attend and participate in this free public event.

The panel will be informal and accessible and take place over 90 minutes. The chair will first establish the background for the session. Each participant will next be invited to talk for up to 5 minutes about how they see the relationship between heritage, activism, and society. Panellists are asked to pre-circulate their responses. These responses will form the basis for a subsequent discussion among participants. Questions from the chair and audience will then follow.

Session Objectives

Bringing together leading voices, the panel on the 'Australian Heritage Movement' explores the relationship between social movements and cultural heritage. It is focussed on how voluntary bodies, such as professional organisations and community groups, affect positive change for heritage places. It recognises that social movements have long had a significant role to play within heritage management, from pushing the boundaries of protections through to engaging in conservation and interpretation. Another area of discussion is how Australian heritage movements have contributed to - and been impacted by - global ideas and activities.

RESPONSIBILITY Theme

Session ID 433