First Annual Unlisted Conference: April 15-16, 2011

Premise   
In light of contemporary conflicts of war and political upheaval, economic crises, growth in international tourism, and rapid urban expansion that threaten heritage sites, new and innovative ways must be found to conserve the past while increasing the accessibility and visibility of sites around the world. In recent years, the labeling of certain sites has brought greater attention to conservation and increased funding for a few, select sites but at the cost of the thousands of significant sites that do not benefit from special labels or increased funding. The vast majority of the world’s archaeological sites are, in short, unlisted and neglected by the current scheme.

Purpose   
In response, the American Institute for Roman Culture, in cooperation with the Italian Ministry of Culture, direzione generale per la valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale, has launched ‘Unlisted’ – an annual forum and conference aimed at re-conceptualizing the way archaeological conservation is practiced. The principal aim of the conference is to bring together a diverse array of experts to create sustainable models for archaeological conservation and site development. Recognized authorities on conservation, archaeology, business, economics, media and law have signed on to be members of this diverse and unique forum.

Participants
Organizations represented include:
AIAC- FastiOnline
American Institute for Roman Culture
Ales, spa
Banca Finnat
Competence Center for Cultural Heritage and Cultural Property Protection,  
University of Vienna
Direzione generale per la valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale
Kogeto
Initiative for Heritage Conservancy
Istituto Superiore per la conservazione ed il restaur
Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni archeologici di Roma
Sustainable Preservation Initiative
Universita’ Bocconi
Universita’ di Roma “La Sapienza”
US Army
 
Where and When
The conference will be held in Rome on April 15 and 16. On April 15, talks will be held at Via del Collegio Romano, 27, Sala Crociera, 9am- 4pm. On April 16 round table discussions will take place at Palazzo Massimo, Largo di Peretti, 1, second floor. On both days, simultaneous translations in English and Italian will be available.

The sponsors
AIRC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to promote and defend Rome’s cultural heritage through educational programs, projects, and public outreach in archaeology and Mediterranean culture, conservation, video and social media. (www.saverome.org)

Direzione generale per la valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale, directed by Mario Resca, is the Italian cultural ministry’s sector dedicated to giving value to cultural heritage assets for the Italian Ministry of Culture. (www.beniculturali.it)