Appel : towards reparative futures : heritage conservation paradigms for social justice

The goal of the 2024 Heritage Conservation Symposium is to share original research, case studies, performances, design projects, and other forms of creative production that examine the intersections of social justice and heritage studies. Submitted works should explore how heritage can reconcile with challenging pasts of social injustice, cultural erasure and discrimination, and how an intersectional approach to heritage can lead to more equitable, accessible, and reparative futures.

The symposium seeks submissions from graduate students, community activists, professionals, and academics involved with Heritage Conservation and related fields. We encourage interdisciplinary and community-engaged contributions that explore, but are not limited to, the following guiding questions:

• What strategies can heritage professionals employ to forge meaningful collaborations with social justice and activist organizations, and what new interdisciplinary practices could emerge from such partnerships?
• How should heritage conservation adapt in response to global social justice challenges, such as climate change, urban development, and gentrification?
• How can heritage conservation serve as a tool for informing and educating broader publics about social justice issues, particularly in ways that encourage local stewardship, cultural expression, and the protection of community heritage and identities?

Submission Guidelines

Please submit a 300-word abstract in English or French, accompanied by a title and a 100-word biography to heritageconservationsymposium@cunet.carleton.ca by March 4th, 2024.

Please include links to any relevant supplementary media.

The symposium will be held in Ottawa on Saturday, April 27th, 2024.