Heritage Matters

RSA Fellows and guests are invited to this event with insights from Secretary-General of Europa Nostra, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailovic.

Europa Nostra is the European voice of civil society committed to safeguarding and promoting cultural and natural heritage. It is a pan-European federation of heritage NGOs, supported by a wide network of public bodies, private companies and individuals, covering over 40 countries. Founded in 1963, it is the largest and the most representative heritage network in Europe, maintaining close relations with the European Union, the Council of Europe, UNESCO and other international bodies.

Significantly, it may interest architects and those working full-time or as a part-time board member across the UK heritage sector - for example with NTS, RIAS, IHBC, BEFS, RTPI, NT, SURF, AHF, SHBT, Heritage Alliance or Lottery distributors. Following presentations, there will be a period of Q&A.

The subject HERITAGE MATTERS resonates with the wordplay “Design Matters” by the late and respected Bernat Klein, whose Studio is the subject of a collaborative restoration kickstarted by the Bernat Klein Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Heritage Buildings Trust.

That heritage matters and is integral to civil society is self-evident. It is inherently important, affects communities beneficially, and thus people, place and planet. Heritage is an economic driver. It matters that heritage makes a significant GDP contribution. It matters that huge numbers of volunteers support the NT and the National Trust for Scotland and other organisations. Heritage matters in that it encourages visitors to the UK, and is integral to soft power, national reputation, rural and city economies, given that heritage buildings and sites often host Festivals such as Beyond Borders at Traquair.

Other matters and issues arising include:

· Response to climate change and sustainability

· Issues of UNESCO inscription, UK listings

· Future maintenance, retention or other disposal(s)

· Issues outlined in HES’s “Our Place in Time” (2014) and its subsequent “Our Past, Our Future: The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment” (2023)

The RSA is grateful to sponsors and donors for their support, to be recorded more formally on the day. The Secretary-General, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailovic is a leader whose dynamism, energy and charisma are inspirational and respected across Europe and more widely.

Attendance is exclusively via prior ticket purchase (£7.50), for admission at 5pm for a 5.15pm event start. Latecomers will be admitted after the introductory speeches. On the day a token for a drink will be issued, with the option for subsequent / additional wine purchase at a Cash Bar. There will be no refunds after 6th March. Application in writing for consent for a substitute name will be possible only to end of day on Monday 9th March.

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