The new version of “European Quality Principles for EU-funded Interventions with potential impact upon Cultural Heritage” by ICOMOS serves as a guide to all people involved in a heritage project within the EU.
The document effectively walks you through the research, design of a cultural project and its presentation in proposals. These recommendations are especially beneficial for local projects where the actors lack training in heritage management. The document presents information in a list/bullet point format; if you cannot readily access the document, here is a list of the topics:
- Principles and standards
- Advancing quality principles
- Programming at EU and national levels
- Project briefs and tenders
- Design
- Procurement
- Implementation
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Governance
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Research
- Education and training
- Rewarding quality
Along with the recommendations, there are “Selection Criteria with potential impact on cultural heritage” that can help keep the focus of a project in line as well as ask defining questions:
Knowledge-Based: Conduct research and surveys first of all
Public benefit: Keep in mind your responsibility towards society
Compatibility: Keep the “spirit of the place”
Proportionality: Do as much as necessary, but as little as possible
Discernment: Call upon skills and experience
Sustainability: Make it last
Good Governance: The process is part of the success
Our take
We suggest to keep this in your toolkit and refer to it if you have an opportunity to get involved in heritage management. As stated earlier this is a brief guide, thus you may need to further look into the information and practices when working on a project proposal. We are at your disposal and more than happy to offer explanations or detailed articles on topics touched upon in the recommendation.
Feel free to ask, always!
I want to learn more:
EUROPEAN QUALITY PRINCIPLES for EU-funded Interventions with potential impact upon Cultural Heritage – Revised edition November 2020 (Also attached)
