Imagine Heritage had the honor to participate in the Arts and Cultural Management Conference (ACMC) held in Vienna from November 7-9, 2024, a significant gathering for experts in cultural management and heritage. Our organization was represented by Spyridon St. Kogkas, who contributed as a speaker on the panel titled “Arts and Cultural Management in Cultural Heritage: Transgressive Projects & Strategies“ alongside esteemed colleagues Sorina Neacsu, Dzina Skuratovich, and Anna Weistock-Mentel.

Moderated by Piotr Michalowski, a highly regarded figure in the European cultural sector, this panel explored innovative strategies in cultural heritage management, showcasing transformative projects and practical approaches that are driving cultural initiatives across Europe. The session was co-organized by the European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC) and HeritACT, with the clear purpose of sharing impactful project experiences and fostering meaningful collaborations among European cultural professionals.

Reflecting on his experience, Spyridon St. Kogkas talked about the heritage and memory of trauma within societies, and how the transgressive and inclusive role of arts can heal the wounds of losses within three approaches of transgression:

•Firstly, the meaning of the transgression through the Trauma of Memory. Spyridon was reffered to the Imagine Heritage’s Ιnitiative “MATI 23718“, a Culture Educational Green Project in collaboration with the GreenFund Greece and the Municipality of Kifissia.

•The transgression through the Inclusivity. Imagine Heritage implemented the “Music Therapy Project for Children with Special Educational Needs” in participation with the Culture Break Borders from Norway and the Cerebral Palsy Greece/Open Door. The implementation of a series of theoretical sessions on the music’s influence, and creative workshops for children with special abilities.

•The third transgression was an experiment with Heritage, referring to the creative collaboration with the Thrausma Journal & Publications, an online international platform supported by academy professors, scientists, and researchers to fuse post-humanism, technology, art, philosophy and speak again about a different narrative for heritage.

It was a precious moment for us to join this panel at Vienna and be part of the significant work of the whole team of Salon de la Sagesse, a team that makes true what a few of inspired and visionary young people can do together. Special thanks to Emma Gabor for having the opportunity to be part of this growing cosmopolitan family.

We also acknowledge the Romanian Culture Institute, whose beautiful space in Vienna served as a conference venue, graciously hosted through the efforts of the ACMC committee and Gabriela Mocan.

For more information on the ACMC panel content, visit: ACMC Panel.