The HeriQuest project addresses the widely recognised problem of understanding cultural heritage values and their effective inclusion in cultural heritage management by addressing two major challenges: the degradation of cultural heritage due to inadequate involvement of non-expert stakeholders values in decision-making. We will explore how non-expert stakeholders, including local communities and the general public, perceive and prioritise heritage values.
Based on surveys in two case studies— – in the Križanke of Ljubljana and in the National Gallery of Slovenia — we will collect stakeholders’ views on heritage conservation and analyse the hierarchy of values they assign to heritage. In this way, we can ensure that heritage conservation efforts are aligned with the interests of the public and promote broader societal engagement.
The project is initially funded by the University of Ljubljana and further supported by the N-DAD programme group. In addition, a case study on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aapravasi Ghat will be conducted in collaboration with the MACH project led by Dr Krish Seetah from Stanford University.
The data from the surveys will be analysed using advanced statistical methods. As the first study of its kind in Slovenia, HeriQuest will contribute to more inclusive, effective and sustainable approaches to heritage conservation at both local and global levels.
The project HeriQuest, carried out as part of Eutopia network and University of Ljubljana student research initiatives, brings together 8 students and 3 mentors, representing four different departments and two Schools at University of Ljubljana.
The interdisciplinary team consists of students and researchers from Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology and Faculty of Arts (Departments for Archaeolog, Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, Slavisitcs, Asian studies).
Duration: 15.7.2024 – 30.11.2024
Code: 20-PED.RSF S.E.1.2LNA-1 RSF HeriQuest UTOPIA. Funding is provided by University of Ljubljana, Development pillar (Razvojni steber financiranja).
Partners of the project:
Leading partner
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology
Heritage Science Laboratory
Project lead: Lana Nastja Anžur
Mentors: Špela Pok, Ibrahim Elfaerey
Student researchers: Tia Kralj (lead), Adam Modic, Jan Matoh, Tilen Peterka
Other partners:
Faculty of Arts
Department of Archaeology
Student researcher: Alen Iršič
Department of Asian studies and Department of Slavistics
Student researcher: Ita Plotajs
Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology
Student researchers: Kiri Štular, Aljaž Mesner
Heri Sci, Association of Young Researchers in Heritage Science Slovenia
You can follow the project Instagram account for more updates.