Practical information on the Annual General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (AGA2024) in Ouro Preto, Brazil

The ICOMOS Scientific Symposium will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter with its theme “Revisiting the Venice Charter: Critical Perspectives and Contemporary Challenges,” and introduce the new Triennial Scientific Plan on “Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery,” during the Annual General Assembly in Ouro Preto, Brazil.

The Venice Charter, a pivotal historical document for ICOMOS, was shaped by the heritage concepts of its time and remains influential. However, in the sixty years since its inception, heritage practice and doctrine have evolved, and new cultural conventions have emerged. Today, significant challenges such as climate change, disasters, and conflicts have emerged, necessitating a critical discussion on the Venice Charter in light of contemporary discourse on heritage and a need to integrate more recent conventions with the practical needs of current heritage conservation.

The Symposium aims to reassess the Venice Charter by exploring its historical context and emphasizing its Eurocentric origins while advocating for a critical rereading that considers the evolution of heritage concepts and practices since 1964. It encourages a cross-cutting approach between the Venice Charter and other international conventions, recognizing diverse epistemologies and contributions from the Global South. Discussions will focus on the charter’s relevance to contemporary practice, addressing issues such as modern heritage, social inequities, and environmental impacts.

The event’s location in Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscores the importance of heritage resilience in the face of disasters, providing a poignant backdrop for these critical examinations. This context emphasizes the necessity to adapt heritage conservation practices to the 21st century, bridging the Venice Charter’s historical framework with present-day challenges.

The call is now closed.

The Scientific Symposium Committee warmly invites scholars, researchers, heritage professionals, and policymakers to contribute to this critical examination by submitting their abstracts and session proposals for the ICOMOS 2024 Annual General Assembly and Scientific Symposium (ICOMOS AGA2024), scheduled to take place at the Convention Centre in Ouro Preto, Brazil, from November 10 to 17, 2024.

The symposium seeks contributions, including research papers, case studies, and reflections, that align with its objectives. This event provides a significant platform for research, information sharing, training, and capacity-building. Delegates will have the opportunity to lead and attend presentations of papers, seminars, workshops, site visits, and other sessions, fostering a rich exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Key dates include the opening of the abstract submission site on March 1, 2024, with a submission deadline of June 15, 2024. Authors will be notified of the submission outcomes by June 30, 2024, and must register by August 30, 2024, to confirm their attendance and secure their place in the program. Abstracts can be submitted in English, French, or Spanish, and Portuguese abstracts with accompanying translations will also be accepted.

Ouro Preto, located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is a historic city of singular importance and a landmark in world heritage. Founded in the late 17th century, Ouro Preto flourished during the gold rush, becoming one of the main economic and cultural centers of the colonial era. The city is notable for its architectural and urban ensemble, filled with Baroque churches, museums, and colonial mansions, reflecting the artistic wealth and craftsmanship of the time. In 1980, Ouro Preto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptional preservation of historical and cultural heritage. As the host of the ICOMOS Symposium, Ouro Preto offers an inspiring and authentic setting for discussions and reflections on the conservation and appreciation of cultural heritage.

Reaching Ouro Preto is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available to suit different preferences. The closest major airport is Tancredo Neves International Airport (Confins) in Belo Horizonte, located approximately 140 kilometers from Ouro Preto. To facilitate travel for participants, the event will provide shuttle services from the airport to Ouro Preto on specific dates and times. This convenient option ensures a hassle-free journey for attendees. Additionally, for those who prefer other modes of transportation, there are regular bus services operating between Belo Horizonte and Ouro Preto, providing an economical and scenic travel option. For those who prefer driving, Ouro Preto is accessible via well-maintained highways, with routes offering picturesque views of the Minas Gerais countryside. Regardless of the mode of transportation chosen, travelers will find their journey to Ouro Preto to be a pleasant prelude to the rich historical and cultural experiences that await them in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Ouro Preto Convention Center is a modern and well-equipped venue dedicated to hosting large-scale events such as congresses, symposiums, and conferences. Located in a historically rich and culturally vibrant city, the center offers comprehensive infrastructure that includes spacious auditoriums with a capacity for hundreds of participants, meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, and large, versatile exhibition areas, as well as technical and logistical support services. With a design that harmonizes modernity with the traditional architecture of Ouro Preto, the center provides a comfortable and functional environment, ideal for hosting international events. Additionally, it boasts an experienced and dedicated team, ready to meet all the needs of organizers and participants, ensuring excellence in the execution of any event.

The Casa da Ópera in Ouro Preto, inaugurated in 1770, is one of the oldest theatres in the Americas still in operation. A prime example of colonial baroque architecture, it was built during the gold rush era and financed by local miners and merchants. With its unique horseshoe-shaped design enhancing acoustics and visibility, it has hosted a variety of cultural performances over the centuries. Today, the theatre continues to be a vibrant cultural hub, offering guided tours and events, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ouro Preto, preserving its historical and cultural significance.

Ouro Preto boasts a diverse and charming hotel infrastructure that caters to the needs of both tourists and conference attendees. The city offers a range of accommodations, from luxurious boutique hotels and historic inns to more budget-friendly guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast establishments. Many of these lodgings are housed in beautifully restored colonial buildings, providing guests with an authentic experience that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Ouro Preto. Equipped with modern amenities, these hotels ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining the historical ambiance that characterizes the city. Additionally, the hospitality services in Ouro Preto are renowned for their warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that visitors feel at home as they explore the city’s numerous attractions and participate in events like the ICOMOS 2024 Annual General Assembly and Scientific Symposium.