International Congress
"Sustainability of Archaeological Environment through Cultural Events"
Nafplia Palace Hotel, Nafplion, Greece
6-7 September 2001

Invitation

Dear Sir or Madame,

The Prefecture of Argolis,
The Regional Council of Regions and Municipalities,
The Asclepieion Municipality,
The Attiki Cultural Society,
The Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development and
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage

Would like to invite you to participate at the International Conference for the:

"Sustainability of Archeological environments through Cultural Events"
Nafplia Palace Hotel, Nafplion, Greece, 6th and 7th of September 2001

At the dawn of the Third Millennium and the Twenty First Century, when globalisation is usually confined only to the negative economic and social aspects involved it is absolutely necessary to strengthen our common humanistic and cultural roots that have nourished and sustained the existence of our societies for centuries.

The access to and the understanding and protection of our archaeological and historical heritage (which in many cases is also related to the protection of nature as well), which is an irreplaceable expression of cultural wealth and diversity, as well as, the facilitation and promotion of high quality cultural events are among the most appropriate activities recommended already by various competent bodies in order to strengthen our cultural roots. Their combination is thought to have a positive synergetic effect, particularly because the proper use of cultural assets could also help regional development and restore, sustain and upkeep our heritage. However, frequently this is not the case, in practice, due to a series of reasons.

OBJECTIVES & THEME: The Conference is to review already existing positions and investigate through a global and multi-disciplinary approach, the necessary provisions for the conciliation and harmonization of today's large scale cultural events with policies and activities to promote, preserve and manage the historical and archeological sites. A list of appropriate indicators will be discussed and eventually adopted.

The participants will examine alternative appropriate means and methods so that cultural events like large-scale performances in the Theater of Epidaurus or in medieval castles and historical sites, can take place by these monuments without exposing them to risks and without "consuming" them. On the contrary, it will be examined how these events can become supportive and helpful for the promotion and preservation of the relevant sites.

One of the most important background elements to be analyzed and studied is the significance of cultural events as inseparable components of the "quality of life" that our ancestors had integrated with harmony into their every day life. Further on, it will be attempted to examine how the correlation between cultural events and the ancient buildings, within they will be carried out, could enrich the latter and deepen their aesthetic, cultural and ethical effect. In other words, how the historic and archaeological site could help the artists and the performance as an element of inspiration which will increase the force of the message of a particular piece of art allowing it to penetrate more easily other cultural and time horizons, languages and artistic expressions.

The balanced integration of cultural events into the archeological sites, apart from the obvious benefits for tourism and culture, can contribute considerably to other aspects of development. It helps in the enforcement of democratic and participatory decision-making and better governance so that inhabitants of the region take part actively to the development and management of exchange of expressions of diverse cultures to the international comprehension and peace at regional and global level.

LOCATION: The Conference will take place at Nafplia Palace Hotel in the historical city of Nafplion. The city of Nafplion was the first Capital of the modern state of Greece and is currently the capital of the Prefecture of Argolis.

The selection of the Argolis region and specifically of the City of Nafplion is well suited to the scope of this Conference. The successful preservation and restoration of the neo-classical architecture, which characterizes the nucleus of the town, has revitalized this provincial city and today has become the center of cultural activities for the citizens of the region and beyond (the Nafplion Festival, the Nafplion Jazz Festival, etc).

In parallel the whole region is endowed with ancient and medieval historical and cultural sites, which particularly during the summer season, constitute the epicenter of one of the most renowned (culturally and scientifically), environments of Greece, the Mediterranean and Europe. Not only is archeological & recreational tourism strong but also other activities as agro-tourism, artisanat and handicraft production, and small-scale cultural events of high quality are gaining momentum.

Moreover the principles of the Conference are supportive and compatible to those of the Cultural Olympiad, which is organized in parallel with the Olympic Games of Athens 2004.

It is hoped that the results of the Conference will also contribute for the better organization of the activities related to the Olympics and other similar large-scale events.

DATE: The Congress is scheduled for the 6th and 7th of September 2001. Arrivals, registration and the conference dinner will take place on the 5th September.

SPONSOR: Coca Cola Hellas