Culture, Heritage and Contemporary Value

Supporting Organisation(s):
V&A, DCMS & British Council
Chair/Other Speakers:
Laura Jones (Chair), Sarah Healey CB, Dr. Tristram Hunt, Stevie Spring CBE, Stephen Stenning, Harriet Hoffler, Vernon Rapley

Discussing contemporary value and relevance of cultural heritage and its role in exploring cultural identity, creating dialogue and impacting wider societal change.

This symposium explored the evolving role of cultural heritage in the 21st century, moving beyond preservation to examine its impact on societal transformation. As part of the V&A’s Culture in Crisis initiative, it brought together international policymakers and practitioners to discuss how heritage can nurture cultural identity and foster meaningful dialogue in a post-pandemic world.

David Cotterrell, an artist and Research Professor at Sheffield Hallam University, was a key panel member. Drawing on his experience in conflict-ridden and urban environments, he offered valuable insights. He explained how contemporary art and research can make heritage relevant to social issues and how practitioners can navigate cultural identity complexities. He also challenged traditional heritage boundaries to address broader issues like justice, memory, and urban development.