Distancing and Rapproching: Local Communities and Monuments in the Aegean Sea — A Case Study from the Island of Naxos. (February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lekakis, Stelios
• Is Part Of: Conservation and management of archaeological sites. Volume 15:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2013-02
• Subjects: heritage management -- island communities -- local community participation -- public dialogue meetings -- Aegean -- Naxos; Excavations (Archaeology) -- Collection and protection -- Periodicals; Cultural property -- Protection -- Periodicals; Historic buildings -- Conservation and restoration -- Periodicals; Historic sites -- Conservation and restoration -- Periodicals; Antiquities -- Collection and preservation -- Periodicals; 930.1028
• DOI: 10.1179/1350503313Z.00000000048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1350-5033

Abstract

Abstract : This paper argues that the distancing of the Greek public from its archaeological heritage and the omnipresence of superficial, touristic narratives is an issue not efficiently addressed by the relevant dialectics of cultural heritage management. In order to understand the roots and dynamics of this phenomenon, its theoretical and practical manifestations are approached, mainly in the context of the communities of the Aegean. Within this context and drawing from the author's experience of working for the Greek non-profit organization of MONUMENTA on the island of Naxos, this paper examines the aims and methodologies of the programme 'Local Communities and Monuments'; a public outreach programme with objectives to examine the bonds between local communities and the cultural heritage that surrounds them and raise awareness.