Integrated Approaches to 20th Century Dissonant Heritage in Europe. Multi-vocal perspectives and strategies explored in the Urban Agenda

Abstract

Dissonant heritage sites represent the many layers of 20th century European history as well as the controversial forms of cultural heritage. Within the Partnership on Culture and Cultural Heritage and its action “Integrated Approaches to Dissonant Heritage”, the Urban Agenda for the EU focuses on potential ways for enhancing the value of 20th century dissonant heritage sites in small towns and peripheral regions of Europe through various integrated approaches. Participating in the Partnership of the Urban Agenda plays is key to raising the public’s awareness of dissonant heritage, and the potential it holds in Europe. An accompanying study and the recommendations that have been developed in February of 2022 show that dissonant heritage sites can help strengthen democracy, education, tourism and sustainable urban and regional development. It is important to make the public aware of dissonant heritage sites and their potential by increasing and coordinating collaboration at the local, regional and national levels; intensifying links and cooperation at the European level; and connecting dissonant heritage with other areas such as education (in and beyond schools), culture, social engagement, and urban or regional planning. Such processes should place greater emphasis on framework conditions in smaller towns and peripheral areas of Europe.