Spaces for Creativity in Mediterranean Archaeological Heritage Management

Jaime Almansa-Sánchez

doi:10.1017/aap.2020.21

Abstract

AbstractPublic Archaeology in the Mediterranean Context (#pubarchMED) is a project that focuses on the management of archaeological heritage in the Mediterranean context from the perspective of public archaeology. Ranging from fully public models where preventive archaeology itself is a challenge to mixed models where the outsourcing of this work has been accomplished to a full extent, the variety of solutions is wide and with a common trend: struggle with mitigation and little space for creativity. This article will delve into the range of models that exist in the Mediterranean, exploring the way they approach, first of all, preventive/rescue archaeology, and then, the relationship between archaeology and society in the process. Building on the challenges of an underfunded scheme for an extremely archaeologically rich territory, different solutions have been set in practice—in some cases, under the auspices of competent administrations in the form of public policy—in the endeavor to include public archaeology in the practice, mostly encouraged by professionals as a personal or corporate initiative, and sometimes even consciously avoided. The discussion will offer some ideas for creative mitigation in the different scenarios, built on the comparative study and the broad possibilities to engage stakeholders positively in the process.

Highlights

Public Archaeology in the Mediterranean Context (#pubarchMED) is a project that focuses on the management of archaeological heritage in the Mediterranean context from the perspective of public archaeology
—Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat can be a mirror of archaeological heritage management in many corners of the world
Building on the preliminary results of the #pubarchMED project, this article presents the variety of management models that exist across the Mediterranean and reflects on how countries approach preventive and rescue archaeology as well as the relationship between archaeology and society—all in the context of creative mitigation strategies and the way current practices relate to the concept in very different ways

Summary

Introduction

Public Archaeology in the Mediterranean Context (#pubarchMED) is a project that focuses on the management of archaeological heritage in the Mediterranean context from the perspective of public archaeology. Building on the preliminary results of the #pubarchMED project, this article presents the variety of management models that exist across the Mediterranean and reflects on how countries approach preventive and rescue archaeology as well as the relationship between archaeology and society—all in the context of creative mitigation strategies and the way current practices relate to the concept in very different ways.

Results

Conclusion