The next ICOM-CECA annual Conference will be held in Athens-Greece,
from 18 to 22 November 2024.

The general theme is “Delicate topics – Challenging audiences”.
We’re going to focus on museum education activities that attempt to discuss complex and sensitive topics, activities that try to shed light on unknown aspects of cultural heritage and misinterpreted historical events, activities that aim at attracting new audiences or to welcome historically marginalized groups.
The aim of this conference is to promote exchange of ideas, expertise and best practices among museum education professionals from different cultural backgrounds and also to promote critical thinking regarding the difficulties encountered when exploring cultural heritage and artistic creation for the benefit of varied audiences.

The theme covers the following topics:

• Museum education as a tool for discussing complex issues:
  Being a refugee, religious conflicts, poverty, multiple identities, traumatic memories, human rights, health issues, marginalized communities, endangered cultural heritage, natural environment at risk, challenges and threats of the virtual world, etc.
• Museum education as a vehicle for alternative interpretations:
  Shedding light on hidden, unknown or misinterpreted aspects of material and intangible heritage or artistic creation, challenging mainstream interpretations and encouraging new glances on past and present historical events.
• Catering for the underserved communities and audiences:
  Museum education initiatives that ensure accessibility and inclusivity, in the framework of a constantly changing social and cultural landscape. Innovative activities and educational material for historically underserved and marginalized audience groups (the elderly, people with disabilities, the mentally ill, the imprisoned, religious / ethnic or cultural minorities, immigrants, refugees, drug addicts, students requiring particular treatment, etc.).

► The conference programme includes

• Key note speeches
• Presentations: Research papers (20′), Thematic papers(15′), Market of ideas (7′), Posters (in printed and digital format)
• CECA Special Interest Groups Workshops
• Other workshops
• Awards presentations and ceremony (Research Award, Best Practice Award, Young Members Network Award)
• Educational visits to museums with interactive activities
• Archaeological heritage day trip outside Athens (November 22nd, optional – additional charge)

The conference will be held exclusively on site.
Part of the presentations might be offered on line or might be recorded and visible on YouTube.

The conference official languages are Greek and English. Bilingual interpretation will be provided during the presentations sessions.
Workshops and educational visits will be held mostly in English.

► Terms and conditions of participation (awards, applications, registrations)

>> Entering the CECA Awards

• Best Practice Award
  Submission deadline for the BP Award: 17th of May
  BP jury: 31st of May
  Information about BP winners: 3rd of June
• Research Award
  Submission deadline for the Research Award: 29th of May
  Information of candidates on necessary modifications: 19th of July
  Information on the winners of the Research Award: 11th of June
• Young Members’ Award
  Submission deadline for the Young Members’ Award: 2nd of July
  Information on the winners of the Young Members’ Award: 24th of July

► Submission of presentation papers

Submission of papers deadline (thematic/research papers, market of ideas, workshops, posters): 15th of June
Notification of presenters shortlisted for the conference: 7th of July
Deadline for confirmation on behalf of shortlisted presenters: 20th of August.

Thank you for your interest in participating at the CECA 2024 Conference, through a presentation (research / thematic papers, market of ideas, workshops, posters).

Applications must be filled in and submitted digitally, via the Athens CECA conference website, which is currently under construction but will soon be available to you, together with all the necessary information concerning your application.
Registration fees will be paid via the above-mentioned website.

► Conference registration

Those interested in attending the Conference, as participants, should fill in and submit the relevant digital registration form, which will shortly be hosted on the Athens CECA conference website.

Registration fees will also be paid via the above-mentioned website.

► Conference registration fees

• ICOM members
  Early bird registration (until the 20th of August): 200 euros
  Late registration: 300 euros
  Registration in the last two weeks: 350 euros
• Non ICOM members
  Early bird registration (until the 20th of August): 300 euros
  Late registration: 350 euros
  Registration in the last two weeks: 400 euros
• Students
  Early bird registration (until the 20th of August): 120 euros
  Late registration: 200 euros
  Registration in the last two weeks: 250 euros

Registration fees include

• A welcome reception at the Benaki Museum at the end of the first day (Monday 18/11)
• Coffee breaks and light lunches (from Monday 18/11 to Wednesday 20/11)
• Conference material (bags, information material, publications, etc.)
• Guided tours at museums (apart from the educational visits)
• Other cultural events to be confirmed.

Day trip (optional) Friday the 22nd of November 2024 :
Registration fee: 30 euros
Registration fee in the last two weeks: 50 euros
The price of the day trip includes bus transport outside Athens (northern Peloponnese), guided tours at museums/sites and a light lunch.

For communicating with the Athens Conference Organizing Committee:
cecaathens2024@gmail.com

 

 

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Some ancient works of art