This spring we will be co-hosting a forum entitled Urban Heritage Inc., Public-private partnership meets heritage preservation. The forum deals with the question whether public-private companies can save historic cities that are under threat from neglect or over-exploitation? More specifically it focuses on the pros and cons of UNESCO-enlistment.
The forum takes place from 31 March until 2 April 2011 in Church De Duif in Amsterdam. Stadsherstel, a company for restoration and urban heritage redevelopment, is hosting this forum in cooperation with three official partners; the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and the Municipality of Amsterdam. We are part of the organizing committee and will be moderating one of the panel discussions.
The second day of the forum, Friday 1 April, is open to the public. Journalist and ‘urban writer’ Tracy Metz, described as the Dutch Jane Jacobs, will be the moderator during the entire programme. Parallel to the main forum a special workshop for students and young professionals will take place, co-ordinated by Creative Urbans and resulting in new proposals for the re-use of old buildings in the city.
For updates on the programme and the list of speakers, please check the forum’s website.