THE BEST IN HERITAGE 2024 Projects of Influence - ICTOP

A global, annual programme celebrating the excellence of the most innovative, inspirational, award-winning projects in the field of museums, heritage and conservation

In partnership EUROPA NOSTRA

Under patronage of ICOM

Supported by ICOM-CC, ICOM-ICTOP, AVICOM, and Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media

The Best in Heritage 2024 online edition explored best practices that the wide field of public memory institutions has to offer. Representatives of award-winning museum, heritage and conservation projects spanning 21 countries shared their success stories, for which they received national or international prizes in the past year.

The interviews presented covered a broad spectrum of initiatives, each with varying levels of funding, organisational structures, staff sizes, limiting factors, and degrees of innovation and creativity. Despite these differences, all projects were united by a common commitment: to excel in serving their visitors, communities, users… From small grassroots efforts to large-scale endeavours, the interviews highlighted the shared passion and perseverance driving these agents of change to set new standards in their respective domains.

This round-the-world trip took us through time, honouring both the old and the new, and presenting many ways in which heritage is being preserved, interpreted, and appreciated. The creative and diverse approaches to safeguarding our shared history revealed the potential of heritage to inspire, educate, and unite people across generational and geographical borders.

In the IMAGINES section we explored groundbreaking projects utilising AI, AR, VR, and digital tools to create immersive and inclusive experiences, such as AI-driven shared experiences, virtual art analysis, and mobile apps for people with autism. Highlights included interactive exhibits, gamified time-travelling quest, emotional storytelling, and an archive preserving urban practices threatened by modernization.

The core programme featured museums dedicated to promoting regional culture, to advancing STEM literacy, fostering democratic participation, while also those addressing critical issues like minority rights, human rights, and the refugee crisis. We learned about museums engaging with communities in various ways – through sensory and artistic workshops, well-being oriented programmes, by providing accessible, family-friendly experiences, and by serving as laboratories of innovation and renewal, many at the intersection of art and science.

We also had a chance to learn about projects conserving historical sites and archaeological landmarks, as well as community-led initiatives revitalising rural temples and tackling difficult colonial history. Some efforts promote economic development through slow tourism, some support social reintegration with back-to-work programs, and open otherwise inaccessible cultural sites to the public through voluntary activities.

Thanks to the dedication and effort of our interviewers, the online audience was introduced to an inspiring mixture of laureates from both the professional and civil society sectors that demonstrated exceptional professional excellence. This year the interviewers, who at the same time serve as members of the Jury, for the core programme were: Russell Briggs, Chief Experience Officer at the Australian Museum; Kate Seymour, Chair of ICOM’s Committee for Conservation; Sandro Debono, Museum Thinker, Consultant & Academic; Cheeyun Kwon, Executive Board Secretary of ICOM’s International Committee for the Training of Personnel. For IMAGINES the interviewers were: Katey Goodwin, Deputy Director at Art UK; and Museologist Gabriela da Rocha.

The video report is available here.

The Projects of Influence

The Best in Heritage shines a spotlight on award-winning projects, amplifying the expertise and recognition given by numerous professional juries to a wider, global audience. Each year, we build on the exceptional work by identifying laureates who have made a significant impact and served as sources of inspiration, representing the forefront of innovation in the heritage sector. Traditionally, this selection process has been guided by the participants of our in-person conferences. However, in our online editions, the responsibility has shifted to a dedicated Jury, ensuring that the highest standards of excellence and influence continue to be recognized and shared with our audience worldwide.

The “Project of Influence” recognition goes to projects that stand out for their exceptional quality, ability to captivate, and have a lasting impact. This distinction highlights achievements that not only set new benchmarks but also inspire positive change in the wider heritage field. Although all featured projects have earned accolades in the past year, two are singled out for the “Project of Influence” honour by our two Juries.

IMAGINES Project of Influence

The IMAGINES title of “Project of Influence 2024” goes to the StoryTrails project by StoryFutures, winner of the Museums + Heritage Awards 2023 for Best Use of Digital in the UK.

The Jury were impressed by the training and community engagement elements which were embedded in this project, with diversity and inclusion at the heart of their work to reach a wide range of people on a deeper level. StoryTrails put technology in people’s hands, creating a democratic way to bring new stories to life, especially in areas of the country which don’t always receive arts funding. Working with libraries allowed the StoryTrails team to work with people from a broad range of backgrounds within their own environment. It was a wonderful, inclusive project.

Katey Goodwin on behalf of TBIH2024 IMAGINES Jury

Commended, and second by number of votes, is the Titanic Belfast’s The Ship of Dreams, laureate of F@IMP Claude Nicole Hocqard Grand Prize of AVICOM 2023.

The Jury commends this project for its dedication to immersive storytelling and emotional engagement. The use of sound design and multimedia is powerful, almost like a theatrical set that transforms as visitors move through the exhibition. A truly beautiful approach.

Gabriela da Rocha on behalf of TBIH2024 IMAGINES Jury

Ranked third by number of votes is the Science Museum Group’s Wonderlab+ & Wonderlab AR, winning the Webby Awards in 2023.

The variety of creative activities designed specifically for the target audience transform complex scientific concepts into engaging and accessible content. Wonderlab+ and Wonderlab AR projects set a new standard for technology in education and highlight significant potential for future growth.

Gabriela da Rocha on behalf of TBIH2024 IMAGINES Jury

THE CORE PROGRAMME Project of Influence

The 2024 Best in Heritage “Project of Influence” title goes to the 23,5 Hrant Dink Site of Memory in Istanbul. In 2023 it won the European Museum Forum’s Kenneth Hudson Award for Institutional Courage and Professional Integrity.

The site of memory/museum celebrates the achievements of one personality which is also the lens through which to promote the values that he stood for. It must not have been an easy topic to handle, and the political implications must have been thoroughly challenging. This project goes a long way in acknowledging that museums have a voice and that they stand for universal values irrespective of context, albeit in this case comfortably highlighted by it.

This Museum is a triumph arising out of a tragedy. It takes an undistorted lens of facts and recent history to enshrine a story of individual loss and a much wider story of societal loss. 23.5 Hrant Dink Site of Memory is an act of courage in a world badly in need of it, and it proves once again that Museums are not neutral and never have been, but they are based in truth. Using facts and truth to make a bold statement about recent history in a setting that does not necessarily encourage such acts makes this Museum the Best of the Best in Heritage.

Russell Briggs and Sandro Debono on behalf of TBIH2024 Core Programme Jury

Commended with second by number of votes is the Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery from Canada, winner of the Alberta Museums Association’s Robert R. Janes Award for Social Responsibility in 2023.

The Red Deer Museum and Gallery champions an exemplary collaboration with the indigenous communities that breaks down walls of hierarchic governance. Precious living heritages were given prominent public platforms through a trusting relationship, leading to a genuine realisation of community participation, inclusion, and celebration of diversity. It demonstrates that such practices of mutual respect, confidence, and appreciation can lead to far-reaching results that exceed conventional expectations.

Cheeyun Kwon on behalf of TBIH2024 Core Programme Jury

Commended and third by number of Jury votes is Via Transilvanica, laureate of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2023 in Category Citizens’ Engagement & Awareness-raising – Public Choice Award 2023.

Via Transilvanica is a transformative long-distance trail that spans 1,400 kilometres across Romania, celebrating its rich cultural heritage and diverse communities. The trail promotes sustainable tourism, connecting rural areas with economic opportunities while preserving local traditions. Via Transilvanica invites travellers to explore Romania’s beauty while fostering connections between people and nature, making it deserving of acknowledgement from the Best in Heritage.

Kate Seymour on behalf of TBIH2024 Core Programme Jury

For over two decades, The Best in Heritage showcases the world’s most innovative and successful practices in museums, heritage, and conservation. It’s the go-to platform for professionals who want both to inspire and be inspired by best achievements in the field of public memory.

With the invaluable support of our main partner, EUROPA NOSTRA with the Creative Europe programme, alongside our esteemed patron, the International Council of Museums, the 2024 online edition was also supported by the Croatian Ministry of Culture and Media, ICOM-ICTOP, ICOM-CC and AVICOM.

Thanks to this support, The Best in Heritage remains a unique platform where professionals and civil society connect, highlighting the best practices that drive excellence and innovation. Celebration of these remarkable achievements serves as an endless source of inspiration for those who pursue quality and impact in heritage and beyond.

The contents of this, and all previous editions, are available fully and freely on our website: thebestinheritage.com