Creative Heritage

Creative Enhancement of Cultural Heritage. The Creative Heritage Initiative seeks to be a permanent international platform for the following actions: a) Researching and prospecting the creative impact of heritage on urban and territorial futures; b) Understanding, using, and extending heritage by using its creative aspects; c) Exploring dynamic heritage for cultural and social innovation; d) Initiating a scientific and public debate about the proactive roles and perspectives of heritage as important factors for cities and territories. The rich and intensive discussion during the Symposium focused and pushed forward the role of heritage as a powerful and creative driver of sustainable development. The participants have explored how inclusive cities and territories can be empowered by heritage, both built and intangible, and how urban resilience can be enhanced by heritage resources (through social, economic, and ecological innovation). We believe that creative enhancement is crucially needed to foster future decisions regarding what to value, as well as how to protect it. Accordingly, all participants agreed that a paradigm shift needs to be prompted in terms of how cultural heritage can be a creative trigger for culture-based urban design, architecture, and culture, and the shaping of new urban visions and concepts for regenerative and sustainable cities. Therefore we bear the responsibility of: a) Advocating and promoting Creative Heritage-driven cities and territories; b) Reinforcing the importance of cultural diversity and shared human heritage in strengthening the connections between all parts of our communities.