Event: The future of religious heritage - after the church visions, now the practice
About this good practice
Six years after the start of the church visions, the state of affairs was assessed. So the province of Overijssel, the National Cultural Heritage Agency and the Cultural Heritage Support Center together organized this one-time event. To share the proceeds of many actions, books and reports of the past years with a large audience. Of course the event took place in an iconic church building: Academie Huis Grote Kerk in Zwolle. The building has been withdrawn from worship and now serves as a location with partial workspaces.
About 300 interested parties attended the meeting.
By organizing a large and free event, we shared and made as much information as possible accessible. Church boards, municipal administrators, residents, heritage organizations, faith organizations and many other stakeholders were present.
Organizing and visiting this together creates as much exchange, inspiration and sharing knowledge as possible.
In recent years, the government has run a national program: The future of religious heritage. Church visions - strategic visions on the future of multiple church buildings within a municipality or region - were part of this program.
In our province of Overijssel, we integrated this program in our regional policy and we’re marking this theme. In the coming years, the financial commitment from the government will be less. In addition, much has already been set up and provided. This event also marked the transition that municipalities are now in charge.
Resources needed
Organizing an event like this approximately costs €50,000. In addition, many people helped out, most of them paid from their own paid jobs. Others from their enthusiasm as volunteers or board members. From workshopleaders to coffee servers and technicians to make sure the event ran smoothly.
Evidence of success
The event was very well attended and visited by about 300 visitors. These visitors came from all over the country. The media was also well represented and showed interest.
The national event brings together all those who are involved in the religious heritage field. Together we investigate the next steps in this process. Linked to the spatial and social challenges of today. You heared inspiring stories, saw beautiful examples and received practical tools.
Potential for learning or transfer
Zwolle is a small city by Dutch standards, but this event could have taken place in any other church. The Grote Kerk was chosen because it aims to establish itself as a space for social use. Its excellent acoustics make it ideal for concerts, choirs, and performances, as well as for meetings and presentations. It regularly hosts a mobile book market, classical concerts, and short-term events. The event was successful due to the collaboration of three organizations and, as a government initiative, it was offered free of charge. While it did not generate direct financial benefits, it fostered knowledge exchange and reinforced its social function. Organizing communication events to communicate policy strategies and gain visibility and resonance is essential. These moments provide an ideal way for public administrations to connect with a wider audience and actively involve them in the task of rethinking heritage which requires strong engagement from both the community and professionals.
Further information
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