In a recent virtual gathering, key Italian stakeholders of the SafeCult project convened to discuss the advancements and future strategies for the “Strengthening Skills in Disaster Risk Management for Cultural Heritage” initiative. The meeting, led by Alessandro Sidoti, Head of the Restoration Laboratory at the National Central Library of Florence, saw active participation from esteemed professionals in the field.
Key Attendees:
- Head of the Conservation Workshop at the National Central Library of Florence
- Conservator at the National Central LIbrary of Florence
- Head of the Conservation Laboratory at the Marciana Library of Venice
- Head of the Restoration Laboratory at the National Central Library of Rome
- Conservator at the National Central Library of Rome
- Head of the Restoration Laboratory at the National Archive of Florence
- Director of Stelio Crise Library of Trieste
- Senior Conservator at the Istituto Centrale per la Grafica
- Senior Conservator at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure
- Senior Conservator at the National Archive of Palermo
- Conservator at the National Archive of Trieste
Project Overview: The session commenced with a comprehensive review of the SafeCult project, delving into its critical components and achievements to date. The project lead provided insightful perspectives on the importance of critically evaluating progress and defining clear objectives for the future.
Proposed Focus Areas: Prominent figures in their respective roles emphasized the significance of concentrating efforts on staff training and closing out the activities slated for 2023. A participant suggested sharing project outcomes on the library’s platform, fostering wider dissemination.
Legislation and Cultural Shift: A participant underscored the relevance of considering Italy’s safety legislation and proposed an active involvement in international bodies like ICOM, Iccrom and Aicrab. Another advocated for a cultural shift towards heightened awareness and sensitivity regarding heritage safety.
Collaborative Initiatives: Exploring partnerships beyond the project’s scope, a participant suggested involving Icom Italia and museum associations in promoting best practices. Another proposed additional collaboration with similar organizations to maximize SafeCult’s impact.
Looking Ahead: The conversation seamlessly transitioned into future planning, with a focus on defining tangible actions for 2023. Key areas of concentration included the development of preventive and emergency management strategies.
Questionnaire Commitment: Participants committed to a prompt completion of the requested questionnaire, recognizing its importance in shaping project priorities and guiding future actions.
Conclusion: The meeting concluded on a positive note, with warm wishes exchanged for the upcoming year. The SafeCult project continues to stand at the forefront of safeguarding cultural heritage, with each stakeholder contributing valuable insights and commitment to its success.
