Theme:
3. Heritage Narratives and Representations
Session format:
Regular session
Title:
CANCELLED Happy Archaeology for Healing Museums
Content:
Public, open and inclusive archaeology today represents one of the most important opportunities for the development of the discipline. Archaeology can provide various chances for creative engagement, entertainment, education; scientific evidence shows very clearly that this kind of involvement is good for health. Through interaction with citizens, participative activities adopting an archaeological approach can stimulate physical and psychological well-being, providing a service for the entire society.
Over the last decade, archaeological museums and parks have started creating and delivering programs targeting people suffering from mental illness and dementia, and their carers, introducing the concept of healing museum. The most innovative projects are undoubtedly those involving interdisciplinary teams. These teams are composed of archaeologists, educators, associations and volunteers collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists and health workers to develop programmes in which archaeology becomes a tool for dealing with problematic situations in the contemporary world, supporting mental health pathways and the treatment of overt discomforts. Under this perspective, archaeological museums appeal as potential resources for new welfare based on prevention and recovery and might become a structural asset for territorial healthcare.
This session aims to explore the recent developments and challenges in this area, expanding the discussion of the following points:
• reflecting on archaeological museums as 'healing spaces'
• presenting experiences of museum-based activities employing a creative archaeological approach
• identifying key themes and challenges in the involvement of vulnerable groups (e.g. Alzheimer, autism, dementia, Huntington’s disease, mental health disorders etc.)
• discussing methodologies and tools for impact assessment
• unlocking opportunities and challenges of a healing museum in the context of the territorial healthcare.
We welcome any paper focusing on the previous points and investigating the relationship between archaeological museums and wellbeing.
Keywords:
healing museum, archaeological museums, vulnerable groups, wellbeing, community healthcare
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:
Main organiser:
Carolina Megale (Italy) 1
Co-organisers:
Francesco Ripanti (Ireland) 2
Affiliations:
1. Fondazione Aglaia
2. Trinity College Dublin
THIS SESSION CAN NOT BE SELECTED AT THIS MOMENT