About the project
European cultural heritage is inherently complex and layered. In the past, conflicting or controversial perspectives on different historical memories and experiences have been colliding in the rich cultural landscape of Europe and continue to do so in the present. These contentious heritages are often particularly difficult to convey to a wide public and can impede inclusivity as well as prevent the development of convivial relations. Nevertheless, if transmitted sensitively, they can contribute to a process of reflexive Europeanisation, in which the European imagination is shaped by self-awareness, on-going critical reflection, and dialogue across different positions.
By deploying an innovative research methodology based on an artistic and ethnographic approaches, TRACES analysed challenges, opportunities and practices inherent in transmitting difficult pasts and heritages in contemporary Europe. The project involved a multi-disciplinary team that brough together established and emerging scholars, artists, and cultural workers to develop a rigorous, creative and all-round investigation on contentious cultural heritages, and to experiment with innovative research methodologies. In order to achieve these objectives, TRACES initiated a series of “Creative Co-Productions” in which artists, researchers, heritage agencies, and stakeholders collaborated on long-term projects researching selected cases of contentious heritage and developing new participatory public interfaces. Theoretical investigations pertaining to different research fields and disciplines supported and complemented these art-based research actions, analysing and expanding their outcomes with the aim to identify new directions for cultural institutions and museums to effectively transmit contentious cultural heritage and contribute to evolving European identities.
TRACES was made up of 36 researchers from 11 institutions across Europe (Italy, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Germany and Austria). Professor Arnd Schneider led the Norwegian part.
As a part of the project Traces published, among other things, a series of Fanzines.
