Celebrating the International Conference “Situated Conservations” in Senegal!
What an unforgettable experience! From January 23rd to 25th, 2025, the International Conference on Situated Conservations took place at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, Senegal. This event was co-organized by the Centre de Recherche et de Documentation du Sénégal (CRDS) at Gaston Berger University and the University of Vienna, bringing together scholars, practitioners, artists, and heritage experts from across the globe.
We were honored to gather participants from Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Mali, Benin, France, Thailand, Austria, and Senegal to explore the many dimensions of conservation. It was a vibrant and festive event, filled with thought-provoking discussions, lively debates, music, and dance.
Highlights from the Event
The conference explored conservation as a multidimensional and situated practice, addressing topics such as the evolving role of museums, the complexities of restitution, and the interplay of diverse approaches to heritage management.
Central themes included:
Epistemologies and norms: Where do they come from, how do we evaluate them, and how are they shaped? This sparked contrasting opinions and vibrant debates.
Expertise: Who holds it, where does it originate, and how can it be shared in inclusive and equitable ways? Participants emphasized in particular the expertise held by craftspeople and artists.
The lively discussions were enriched by a celebratory spirit, with music and dancing weaving a festive thread throughout the event.
Honoring Fatima Fall Niang
One of the most moving moments was the ceremony honoring Fatima Fall Niang, an iconic figure in Senegalese heritage preservation. A former director of the CRDS in Saint-Louis, she has dedicated her life to preserving cultural heritage while combining hands-on experience with theoretical approaches. Sargal Fatima Fall Niang!
Beyond the Conference
Prior to the event, our team from Vienna had the privilege of meeting artists, craftswomen, thinkers, librarians, and heritage professionals in Dakar and Saint-Louis. We delved into diverse fields such as textiles, archives, museums, and feminist networks, engaging in inspiring conversations that deepened our understanding of local heritage practices and fostered meaningful connections.
Moving Forward Together
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this event such a success—speakers, participants, and organizers alike. The diversity of perspectives, the exchange of knowledge, and the collaborative spirit showcased the potential for redefining conservation as an inclusive and dynamic practice. Change is very much needed and we are ready for building more fair and sustainable futures. What is heritage if we don’t care about the living?
Let us carry forward this important work, striving for deeper understanding and a spirit of joy in heritage, academia, and beyond. We look forward to sharing more updates and building on these inspiring conversations!
