Dozens of investments have been made in cultural monuments and historic environments in the countries of South-East Europe over the last decade in accordance with the principles of the European Union and Council of Europe Ljubljana Process. Whether investing in cultural heritage actually produces dividends for local economies and improves the quality of life of communities has not been previously demonstrated, however. This book reports on a pilot exercise carried out by the Research Unit on South Eastern Europe at the European Institute of the London School of Economics and Political Science. It develops a methodology for the collection of evidence needed to monitor and evaluate the wider benefits of investment in cultural heritage. This book presents the findings of a study on six completed projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. It identifies the challenges to achieving sustainable development goals – and how they may be met – and the benefits, both direct and indirect, that can arise from developing and valorising cultural heritage sites and increasing their influence on the sustainability of the local economy and on quality of life. On the basis of detailed case studies, the book provides an overview of the main challenges facing cultural heritage in South-East Europe from a pan-European perspective and analyses the institutional and policy framework for effective sustainable rehabilitation. It concludes with an assessment of lessons learned from the study and makes some suggestions for generating wider benefits from future investment in the cultural heritage of South-East Europe.

The essays in this book present, for the first time in published form, a systematic comparative overview of cultural heritage policy and its impact – specifically in the field of immovable heritage such as archaeological and historic sites – in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, Montenegro, Romania and Serbia. The studies focus on the decade from 2003 to 2013 that followed the traumatic and often violent upheavals associated with the breakdown of communism. That same period also saw a shift in the policy of the European Union and the Council of Europe in support of cultural heritage policies in the region, which led to the launching of the “Ljubljana Process: rehabilitating our common heritage”. The challenges gradually moved from encouraging professionals to adopt European standards and realising the potential of heritage to build bridges between peoples and to foster reconciliation, towards highlighting its wider benefits as a catalyst of economic development for the local economy and the quality of life of citizens. Theorists and practitioners will gain a better insight into the value of cultural heritage and the specificity of cultural heritage policies in South-East Europe, as well as the underlying facts, vision, context and impact of the Ljubljana Process. This will encourage questioning of existing public policies, as well as the promotion and affirmation of cultural heritage within a new “culture of development”.

Cultural heritage was invented in the realm of nation-states, and from an early point it was considered a public asset, stewarded to narrate the historic deeds of the ancestors, on behalf of their descendants. Nowadays, as the neoliberal narrative would have it, it is for the benefit of these tax-paying citizens that privatisation logic on heritage sector have been increasing over recent decades, to cover their needs in the name of social responsibility and other truncated views of the welfare state. This volume examines whether we can place cultural heritage at the other end of the spectrum, as a common good and potentially as a commons. It does so by looking at Greece as a case study, lately a battlefield of harsh and experimental austerity measures but also of inspiring grass-roots mobilisation and scholarship, currently blossoming to defend the right of communities to enjoy, collaboratively manage and co-create goods by the people, for the people. Since cultural heritage -and culture in general- is hastily bundled up with other goods and services in various arguments for and against their public character, this volume invites several experts to discuss their views on their field of expertise and reflect on the overarching theme: Can cultural heritage be considered a commons? If so, what are the advantages and pitfalls concerning theory, practice and management of heritage? What can we learn from other public resources with a longer history in commons-based or market-oriented interpretation and governance? Can a commons approach allow us to imagine and start working towards a better, more inclusive and meaningful future for heritage?

The work of the Council of Europe in the field of cultural heritage has increasingly emphasised an integrated approach that combines the promotion and protection of cultural diversity, democratic governance and democratic innovation. This publication on the Technical Co-operation and Consultancy Programme (TCCP) not only presents an overview of the Council of Europe’s work in the field of cultural heritage over the last 40 years, but also lays out the evolutionary progression of the Organisation’s work in this field, offering a comprehensive analysis of its activities and demonstrating the role of heritage in revitalisation and sustainable development. The analysis presents three main perspectives – monuments and sites, historic towns and territories – through the processes and results of major heritage projects conducted within the TCCP, in association with the European Commission, since 2003. It is hoped that the experience and methodologies of the TCCP will provide insight for future initiatives, capitalising on the opportunity to situate heritage in transversal projects that address major contemporary issues such as demographic change, migration, socio-economic crises and climate change.

Recent developments in cultural heritage policy and practice in South-East Europe. Since 2003, the Council of Europe–European Commission joint initiative known as the “Ljubljana Process: rehabilitating our common heritage” has set out to unlock the potential of the region’s rich immovable cultural heritage, working with national authorities to accelerate the development of democratic, peaceful and open societies, stimulate local economies and improve the quality of life of local communities. In 2003, the region was overcoming the effects of the traumatic transition to a market economy. Since then, it has been hit hard by the economic crisis of 2008, and more recently by an unprecedented migration crisis. Despite the challenges facing the region in the field of cultural heritage, the present situation can be seen as an opportunity to use the lessons learned from the Ljubljana Process to avoid the traps laid by the cumulative and sometimes inconsistent heritage-protection legislation of the past 60 years, overcoming the legacy of the top-down approach that privileges the “high art” canon rather than the local heritage that reflects the culture of everyday life and which often means more to most people. The authors suggest that selecting from innovative practice elsewhere could make heritage management smarter so that it more directly meets the needs of modern society and individual citizens. This volume reflects the views of international experts involved in the joint initiative and complements earlier studies on the impact of the Ljubljana Process by experts from within the region (Heritage for development in South-East Europe, edited by Gojko Rikolović and Hristina Mikić, 2014) and from the London School of Economics and Political Science (The wider benefits of investment in cultural heritage. Case studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, edited by Will Bartlett, 2015).

The management of World Heritage Cities and sites is a challenging task. Getting visitor flows and the enormous traffic under control and implementing urban development projects in ways that preserve the integrity and authenticity of cultural heritage requires a high level of expertise, backed by the support of civil society and politics. This book is the result of the 2018 Conference of the Organization of World Heritage Cities, held by the Regional Secretariat for Northwest Europe and North America in Amsterdam, with the theme "Heritage & Tourism: Local Communities and Visitors – Sharing Responsibilities". The contributing expert authors – from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe – draw on a range of disciplines to offer wider perspectives, stimulating dialogue among the spheres of heritage, sustainable tourism, and spatial planning. An updated chapter offers perspectives on sustainable tourism also after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Management in Museums considers sustainable and innovative solutions to current museum financial challenges by analyzing the many changes and pressures affecting the museum field. Presenting diverse perspectives from a range of authors around the world, the book shares and compares different funding models and methods of museum financial management. Arguing that museums need to be more effective in obtaining and managing financial resources, the volume also demonstrates how innovative and sustainable financial management strategies and structures can allow museums to respond to societal pressures and issues in a more effective way. It also demonstrates that museums must allocate resources responsibly to fulfill their goals of justice, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The theoretical and practical contributions within the volume cover a comprehensive range of topics, including foundational concepts, revenue, expenses, budgeting, financial leadership, strategic planning, mission-based investment strategies and alternative revenue strategies. Financial Management in Museums focuses on the unique financial needs and structures of museums, while also considering important lessons from adjacent sectors. It will be essential reading for students and academics engaged in the study of museums, arts and cultural management and business. The book will also be useful to museum professionals working around the world.

Cultural heritage is a complex and elusive concept, constantly evolving through time, and combining cultural, aesthetic, symbolic, spiritual, historical and economic values. The Handbook on the Economics of Cultural Heritage outlines the contribution of economics to the design and analysis of cultural heritage policies and to addressing issues related to the conservation, management and enhancement of heritage. The Handbook takes a multidisciplinary approach, using cultural economics as a theoretical framework to illustrate how crucial and stimulating cross-disciplinary dialogue actually is. Contributors scrutinise the co-existence of cultural and economic values as well as the new challenges that arise from changes brought about by technology, and relationships between the different actors engaged in the production, distribution and consumption of heritage services. The roles of public, private and non-profit organizations are also explored. Case studies underpin the discussion, demonstrating the clear and vital link between theory and practice. This highly unique Handbook will prove a fascinating and informative read for academics, researchers, students and policymakers with an interest in cultural economics.

Management Planning for Cultural Heritage challenges traditional perceptions of and about the heritage planning process while also presenting a comprehensive analysis of the ever-widening field of Cultural Heritage Conservation. Drawing on the authors’ experience in teaching and involvement in international practice, the book examines the changes that are taking place in modes of thinking about heritage as part of increasingly complex urban transformations, and considers how these must engage with, and inform, professional practice. The book also acknowledges that international best practice has developed a great deal over the last 40 years and needs to be adapted, applied and refined through the recognition and application of regional values – tangible and intangible – based on cultural attitudes and practices. Emphasising the critical role of heritage planning and management in guiding change, Taylor and Verdini argue that this is especially critical if we are to safeguard values, identity and significance. In this sense, heritage is understood not only as a technical process but also as a social construct. The book therefore promotes a people-centred approach to cultural heritage management. Management Planning for Cultural Heritage will be of interest to students, scholars and practitioners working in heritage studies and conservation. While the text has professional application, it also sets out to present a sound theoretical foundation relevant to the body of knowledge associated with management of cultural heritage places.