research Framework and themes
Theoretical Framework
The Heritage Borders of Engagement Network – ENGAGE Network aims to develop an evidence-based understanding of the role and potential of heritage sites, practices and communities in developing long-term sustainable and inclusive peace across borders of difference through creative modes of cultural productions, education, tourism, interdependent economy and social justice. Designed around the notion of 'humanitarian heritage' as common endeavour of humanity that is indiscriminate about human race, culture, ethnicity or religion, ENGAGE Network anticipates developing transferable models and forums of ‘Regional Partnership Hubs' as a long-term and sustainable heritage research collaboration centres that advance discourse and policy on cultural heritage of communities in North Africa, Middle East and South Asia.
ENGAGE Research Themes
Theme 1: Infrastructures of Heritage Partnerships
Theme 2: Collaborative Heritage Hospitality & Tourism
Theme 2: Collaborative Heritage Hospitality & Tourism
T1 navigates themed commonalities of cultural heritage practices (material and immaterial) at each regional hub and those commonly shared or conflicted developing a database of ‘Humanitarian Heritage Zones’ to be used as a catalyst for geospatial and transnational collaborations.
Theme 2: Collaborative Heritage Hospitality & Tourism
Theme 2: Collaborative Heritage Hospitality & Tourism
Theme 2: Collaborative Heritage Hospitality & Tourism
T2 seeks to explore how tangible and intangible heritage can be utilised by communities as a mechanism for generating income, engaging in cross-cultural dialogue, enhancing local trade and cross-border commerce all with a single goal of sharing benefits and developing effective and sustainable south-south and north-south partnerships
Theme 3: Creative Art, Craft and Cultural Co-production
Theme 4: Narratives of Displacement, Grievances and Impact
Theme 4: Narratives of Displacement, Grievances and Impact
Working predominately with women and young people, who are usually the most vulnerable and silenced voices of Middle Eastern and South Asian post-conflict tribal societies,T3 aims to develop an evidence based understanding of the role of participatory arts and culture in building peace, security and stability in border regions.
Theme 4: Narratives of Displacement, Grievances and Impact
Theme 4: Narratives of Displacement, Grievances and Impact
Theme 4: Narratives of Displacement, Grievances and Impact
Working with closely with regional coordinators, partners, conflict survivors and their communities, T4 aims to explore cultural identity, shared heritage, and conflict impacts through storytelling and memory work in the context of oral and visual narratives.