Session: #117

Theme & Session Format

Theme:
3. Heritage Narratives and Representations
Session format:
Session with keynote presentation and discussion

Title & Content

Title:
Archaeology: A Hospitable Discipline? How Accessible is Archaeology in Practice? Examining the Future of Inclusive Archaeological Practice
Content:
How accessible is the past? And how accessible is studying the past? Is it equally accessible to everyone? How welcoming is the discipline we operate in? What exactly do we mean when we speak of accessibility? Do we also consider feeling welcomed as part of accessibility? And what makes us feel welcome? Is it a representation of people who look like us? Is it the availability of aids? Is it the use of inclusive language? Could finance also play a part in accessibility? Can everyone afford to visit or study our heritage, and what do our earnings as archaeologists have to do with our well being?
We believe that archeology can and should be more accessible, diverse and inclusive! Archaeology belongs to everyone and everyone who wants a place in it should be given those opportunities. We want to provide the tools to make archaeology accessible to everyone within the triangle of education, the workplace and public outreach. We collaborate wherever possible to draw on the collective experience of others and to share best practice which is why Enabled Archaeology Foundation and Enabling Archeologie have partnered up on this session to take this international. Accessibility of the past, for us,means both the physical/mental/social accessibility of arriving at a place where the present is accessible. To arrive at this inclusive place, we have a joint goal of creating awareness and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into all areas of the heritage sector.
What can we as archaeologists learn on these matters from each other? From practices in different countries, other disciplines within the field of heritage but also other disciplines beyond heritage.
Our session will consist of a short opening element about the EAF, EA and DAN: what we stand for, what we do and how we cooperate. We have two keynotes presented by two exciting presenters, a set of excellent papers from scholars across Europe, and a panel discussion with a high-profile guest to stimulate the debate. Our first keynote speaker will tell us more about accessible and inclusive pedagogies for archaeology students and our second keynote speaker will remind us what the added value is of working integrally, crossing regional, national but also disciplinary borders.
Keywords:
Accessibility, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, Heritage, Workplace
Session associated with MERC:
no
Session associated with CIfA:
no
Session associated with SAfA:
no
Session associated with CAA:
no
Session associated with DGUF:
no
Session associated with other:

Organisers

Main organiser:
Marloes Sommen (Netherlands) 1
Co-organisers:
Sarahjayne Clements (United Kingdom) 2,3
Affiliations:
1. Enabling Archeologie
2. Enabled Archaeology Foundation
3. University of Hertfordshire