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. Introduction

The value of cultural heritage and archaeology

Theoretical framework

Methodological framework

Research objectives and deliverables

Contents of this thesis

2. Theoretical and methodological framework

Introduction

The concept of cultural heritage

Value assessment and value typology

Societal value of cultural heritage

Value of participation in archaeology

Sociocultural impact as a theoretical framework

Introduction

Impact versus value

Sociocultural impact in cultural heritage

Sociocultural impact as a methodological framework

Introduction

Online and face-to-face surveys

From goals to indicators to survey questions

Analysis and interpretation of the results

3. Case Study: DOMunder

Introduction

Research goals for this case study

About DOMunder

History of the Domplein Square

The creation of DOMunder

The surveys

Introduction

Methodology

Results

Visitor survey

Resident survey

Volunteer survey

Wrapping up results

Research goals

Activity goals

4. Case Study: You(R) Archaeology

Introduction

Research goals for this case study

About the You(R) Archaeology contest

The surveys

Introduction

Methodology

Results

Demographics

Local image and identity

Personal development

Social cohesion

Community empowerment and self-determination

Imagination and vision

Health and wellbeing

Wrapping up results

Research goals

Activity goals

5. Case Study: Invisible Monuments

Introduction

Research goals for this case study

About the Invisible Monuments, Digital Memory event

The surveys

Introduction

Methodology

Results

Demographics

Local image and identity

Personal development

Social cohesion

Community empowerment and self-determination

Imagination and vision

Health and wellbeing

Wrapping up results

Research goals

Activity goals

6. Discussion

Introduction

Comparing the case studies

Comparing activity goals

Comparing results of the surveys

Recommendations – a ‘step-by-step’ guideline

Cost Benefit of the case studies

Sustainable Development

Introduction

Emergence of the concept (within cultural heritage management)

Adding to the triple bottom line: culture as a fourth pillar

Discussion

7. Conclusion

Acknowledgements

References

List of Figures

List of Tables

Appendices

Appendix 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 survey

Appendix C1: The Invisible Monuments visitor survey

Summary

Samenvatting