The ICOM Europe 2024 Training Series, titled “Heritage Resilience: Safeguarding Cultural Legacy in Crisis Zones”, is a professional development initiative taking place in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 25–27 November 2024. This program is specifically designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of museum and cultural heritage professionals in key areas such as disaster management, emergency preparedness, and effective crisis communication. With an emphasis on practical solutions, the training addresses the challenges of protecting cultural heritage, particularly in conflict-prone regions, by focusing on disaster response, community engagement, and strategic communication.

The training will focus five areas: disaster risk management and emergency preparedness, emergency evacuation procedures, documentation and restoration techniques, people-centered first aid for cultural heritage, and crisis communication. Each session is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience and actionable strategies to address the unique challenges faced by cultural institutions during emergencies.

Expert facilitators from leading organizations, including ICOM Europe, Blue Shield France, Blue Shield Georgia, Istituto Centrale per il Restauro (ICR), and ICOM Italy’s Working Group on Prevention, Security, and Emergency for Cultural Heritage, will lead the sessions. Their expertise will guide participants through scenario-based learning, practical exercises, and discussions on best practices in safeguarding cultural heritage.

The program will engage 22 Georgian museum and cultural heritage specialists, as well as National Guard representatives, offering them the opportunity to strengthen their capacity to protect and preserve cultural heritage during times of crisis. The training also fosters peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and collaborative learning, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful experience for all participants.

The project is funded by the ICOM International SAREC Grants and is organized and supported by ICOM Europe and ICOM Georgia. It is further enriched through collaboration with key ICOM International Committees, including ICOM DRMC, ICOM MPR, ICOM France, ICOM Austria, ICOM Belgium, and ICOM Italy, as well as Blue Shield France, Blue Shield Georgia, Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Istituto Centrale per il Restauro, and the Tbilisi Museums Union.

Why This Training series Matters

The increasing frequency of conflicts, natural disasters and other crises poses significant threats to cultural heritage worldwide. This training provides participants with the necessary tools to navigate these challenges, ensuring the protection and sustainability of invaluable cultural assets for future generations.

See the training programme here