JCIC Heritage Research Project Maritime Network and Cultural Heritage FY2021 Report

Online meeting of the International Cooperation Survey Working Group
Online Interview – International Cooperation Survey

 Many different cultures and civilizations have met through the oceans since ancient times. Both the land and oceans have become the stage for international exchanges between humans and objects. New trends have recently gained momentum in revising global history with a focus on oceans, pursuing transformation from a land-centric viewpoint. These new movements require new perspectives on surveys, research, and the protection of cultural heritage related to global exchanges through oceans.

 The Japan Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage (JCIC-Heritage), whose secretariat was commissioned to the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN)by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, proposed the “maritime network” based on the fact that many routes connect regions despite their distance by exchanges over oceans to form networks, and their influence reaches into the inner lands through ports and harbors. JCIC-Heritage attempted to grasp the trends in the protection of cultural heritage related to maritime networks in countries all over the world.

 Surveys were conducted using various methods and related activities over two years, including questionnaires targeting 29 institutes in 27 countries, online interviews, forums, and symposia. They revealed various aspects of the exchanges between people, objects, and cultures through the oceans. In addition, we received information on the current status of the protection of cultural heritage related to maritime networks and expectations for international cooperation in these fields. Please read this report: Maritime Network and Cultural Heritage. JCIC-Heritage will continue to collect and disseminate information in the given field. (https://www.jcic-heritage.jp/en/publication/).

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