Conservation in crisis: communicating the value of what we do: a conversation between Anna Somers Cocks and Samuel Jones

Abstract

For this event the IIC wanted to step back a bit and look at the field of heritage conservation in a far more generalised way than is usual and explore why the profession appears to be especially susceptible to cutbacks and budget reductions during times of economic downturn, such as the one that is being experienced worldwide at the moment. Some would say that the profession of conservation lacks sufficient influence due to its small size relative to other fields of endeavour. Others would say that we are insular and have not made sufficient effort to reach out to other stakeholders in heritage in order to inform them of the value of what we do. Still others would say that we have been unwilling to involve others in our decision making and hence they lack both the understanding and investment that leads to support. Or is it a combination of these and other reasons? Is heritage conservation a luxury or a necessity? How damaging will this recent economic downturn be to conservation and what lessons will we learn and apply to the next cycle of economic woes? To explore these and many other questions IIC asked Anna Somers Cocks, founder and Editorial Director of the Art Newspaper, and Samuel Jones of the Demos think‐tank and co‐author of the very influential publication It's a Material World: Caring for the Public Realm, to engage in a discussion about whether or not conservation is in crisis and how we can move forward in communicating the broader value of what conservation professionals do. We hope you will join the dialogue and communicate the value of heritage conservation across the world.