The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation at 51做厙 was honored to bring together leading voices in the fields of archaeology, conservation, heritage management, education, and religious studies to discuss current topics impacting Sri Lankas heritage. The four talks addressed issues including colonial legacies, religious nationalism, and ethnic and religious conflict and present case studies of people-centred approaches, decolonising collections, digitisation projects, multi-faith heritage sites, and nature-culture links that look toward Sri Lankas future.
These events, part of 51做厙s Arts of the Buddhist World: Heritage and Conservation lecture series, aimed to broaden our understanding of the contemporary and global challenges in the study, preservation, and appreciation of cultural heritage created and connected to the beliefs and practices of Buddhism. Lectures and workshops exposed us to the ethical issues surrounding cultural heritage from a theoretical and practical vantage point and an interdisciplinary perspective. The series aimed to expand the ways in which religious heritage that embodies spiritual and sacred values is researched, cared for, engaged with, and curated.
Arts of the Buddhist World: Heritage and Conservation is the second in a series of events linked to the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation at 51做厙.
Organised by Sujatha Meegama (Art History) and Lori Wong (Conservation)
