Imprint of Action

Cultural heritage, which includes archaeology, is recognized as serving an increasingly important role in European societal development. But what exactly is the relevance of archaeology to present day citizens? Imprint of Action investigates the sociocultural impact of archaeology through public activities. These activities provide an ideal setting for research, as they represent a structured point of encounter between the public and archaeological heritage; in analysing them, aspects of people's connections to the past are revealed. As such this research forms an integral part of the NEARCH project (2013-2018).As a basis for analysis, survey data from three large-scale case studies - 'DOMunder' (Netherlands), 'You(R) Archaeology' (Cross-Europe), and 'Invisible Monuments' (Greece) was used. The analysis and interpretation of the case studies is based on a newly created methodological framework which finds its roots in the broader culture and arts sector. Results shows that activities encourage participation and interaction, which engenders sociocultural impacts on participants, most notably in knowledge increase, skill development, social relations, and happiness.Imprint of Action is the first large-scale study focussing entirely on sociocultural impact in archaeology and, as such, is explorative in nature; it provides unique insights into the workings of interaction and participation in archaeological events, and openly shares qualitative and quantitative research data with the expanding field. In doing so, Imprint of Action lies the foundations for further analysis of the societal impact of both large-and small-scale heritage projects and identifies the incontestable values of archaeological heritage to the public.Contents:1. IntroductionThe value of cultural heritage and archaeologyTheoretical frameworkMethodological frameworkResearch objectives and deliverablesContents of this thesis2. Theoretical and methodological frameworkIntroductionThe concept of cultural heritageValue assessment and value typologySocietal value of cultural heritageValue of participation in archaeologySociocultural impact as a theoretical frameworkIntroductionImpact versus valueSociocultural impact in cultural heritageSociocultural impact as a methodological frameworkIntroductionOnline and face-to-face surveysFrom goals to indicators to survey questionsAnalysis and interpretation of the results3. Case Study: DOMunderIntroductionResearch goals for this case studyAbout DOMunderHistory of the Domplein SquareThe creation of DOMunderThe surveysIntroductionMethodologyResultsVisitor surveyResident surveyVolunteer surveyWrapping up resultsResearch goalsActivity goals4. Case Study: You(R) ArchaeologyIntroductionResearch goals for this case studyAbout the You(R) Archaeology contestThe surveysIntroductionMethodologyResultsDemographicsLocal image and identityPersonal developmentSocial cohesionCommunity empowerment and self-determinationImagination and visionHealth and wellbeingWrapping up resultsResearch goalsActivity goals5. Case Study: Invisible MonumentsIntroductionResearch goals for this case studyAbout the Invisible Monuments, Digital Memory eventThe surveysIntroductionMethodologyResultsDemographicsLocal image and identityPersonal developmentSocial cohesionCommunity empowerment and self-determinationImagination and visionHealth and wellbeingWrapping up resultsResearch goalsActivity goals6. DiscussionIntroductionComparing the case studiesComparing activity goalsComparing results of the surveysRecommendations - a 'step-by-step' guidelineCost Benefit of the case studiesSustainable DevelopmentIntroductionEmergence of the concept (within cultural heritage management)Adding to the triple bottom line: culture as a fourth pillarDiscussion7. ConclusionAcknowledgementsReferencesList of FiguresList of TablesAppendicesAppendix A1a: The DOMunder visitor survey (English)Appendix A1b: The DOMunder visitor survey (Dutch)Appendix A2a: The DOMunder resident survey (English)Appendix A2b: The DOMunder resident survey (Dutch)Appendix A3: the DOMunder volunteer survey (Dutch)Appendix B1: The You(R) Archaeology participant surveyAppendix C1: The Invisible Monuments visitor surveySummarySamenvatting