FROM VENICE TO SYDNEY: OLD AND NEW WORLD APPROACHES TO HERITAGE CONSERVATION PRACTICE

Prof Richard Mackay, AM

All Papers

Complete Paper

Summary

Paper Title

FROM VENICE TO SYDNEY: OLD AND NEW WORLD APPROACHES TO HERITAGE CONSERVATION PRACTICE

Authors

Prof Richard Mackay, AM

Modality

Abstract

Subject area

3. Universalism and diversity: Rereading the Doctrinal Documents from Diverse Perspectives - A discussion on the importance of the Venice Charter (and other related doctrinal documents) through diverse epistemologies and perspectives, acknowledging the cultural diversity of heritage and exploring contributions from the Global South.

Publishing Date

11/04/2025

Country of Publishing

Brazil | Brasil

Language of Publishing

Inglês

Paper Page

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/809851-from-venice-to-sydney--old-and-new-world-approaches-to-heritage-conservation-practice

ISBN

978-65-272-1284-3

Keywords

Burra Charter, meaning, new world, associative value, Sydney, traditional custodian, changing practice,

Summary

Emanating from a Eurocentric-heritage, the Venice Charter was intended to foster a common approach to cultural heritage conservation, but placed great emphasis on aesthetic and historic values, (Cameron and Rössler 2013). This perspective is unsurprising, given its conception during a meeting of the International Congress of the Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments. But these limitations constrained its global relevance. In particular, for Eastern and Indigenous cultures, for whom heritage existed more in the meaning of places, rather than their visual or qualities, monumental form or fabric, the Vencie Charter did not necessarily offer a ‘common’ approach. In 1978, the fledgling Australia ICOMOS observed the limitations of the Venice Charter in New World contexts, and the reluctance to allow it to evolve – paradoxically at odds with its own tenet of that all periods make a contribution (Australia ICOMOS 2016). The intention for local application of the Venice Charter was apparent in its preamble, with: “. . . each country being responsible for applying the plan within the framework of its own culture and traditions.” And so, by 1979, Australia ICOMOS had its own Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, colloquially known at The Burra Charter, after the Australian mining town where it was adopted. The Burra Charter has always been dynamic and Australia ICOMOS has sought to align it with changing understanding of cultural significance, emerging professional practice and progressive recognition of the rights of associated people. The Burra Charter had major amendments in 1999 and 2013 and is augmented by a range of practice notes. Across its 45 years, and despite changes, the fundamental values-based principles of the Burra Charter, remain but, by contrast with its European pre-cursor, the Burra Charter has adapted to accommodate different places, broader values, and responded to developing practice. Changes in 1999 were particularly responsive to emerging understanding of significant attributes such as “use, association and meaning”, and explicitly recognised diverse or conflicting values, and the rights of traditional custodians and other stakeholders. This paper will highlight the results arising from more than four decades of experience with Australia’s Burra Charter using three diverse case studies: an archaeological site, an historic amusement park and a site with potentially-conflicting Aboriginal and colonial values. The paper will suggest that the results achieved emanate from the ability of the Burra Charter to adapt and accommodate changing notions of heritage value, different types of heritage place, and changing perceptions of how cultural heritage should be identified and managed. There will also be a brief reflection on how the 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium of ICOMOS in Sydney in 2023 provided an opportunity to share aspects of cultural heritage practice in the Global South. Australia ICOMOS Incorporated, 2016, Collaboration for Conservation. A Brief History of Australia ICOMOS and the Burra Charter. Cameron, C, and Rossler, M, 2013, Many Voices, One Vision: The Early Years of the World Heritage Convention, Ashgate Publishing, UK and USA.

Title of the Event: ICOMOS SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM 2024
City of the Event: Ouro Preto
Title of the Proceedings of the event: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings
Name of the Publisher: Even3
Means of Dissemination: Meio Digital

How to cite

AM, Prof Richard Mackay,. FROM VENICE TO SYDNEY: OLD AND NEW WORLD APPROACHES TO HERITAGE CONSERVATION PRACTICE.. In: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings. Anais...Ouro Preto(MG) Convention Center / UFOP/ UFMG Campus, 2024. Available in: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/809851-FROM-VENICE-TO-SYDNEY--OLD-AND-NEW-WORLD-APPROACHES-TO-HERITAGE-CONSERVATION-PRACTICE. Access in: 31/08/2025