ATTENTION: REGISTRATIONS FOR THE CONFERENCE WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL FRIDAY 15TH OF NOVEMBER!

Join us at “Delicate topics – Challenging audiences”, the next ICOM - CECA (Committee for Education and Cultural Action) annual Conference, that will be held in Athens-Greece, from 18 to 22 November 2024!

The Conference will focus on museum education activities that
~    attempt to discuss complex and sensitive topics  
~    try to shed light on unknown aspects of cultural heritage and misinterpreted historical events
~    aim at attracting new audiences or welcoming historically marginalized groups.  

The event is organized by the Hellenic National Committee of ICOM (International Council of Museums), in collaboration with the Hellenic Ministry of Culture -Directorate of Archaeological Museums, Exhibitions and Educational Activities and also the Benaki Museum.

The theme “Delicate topics – Challenging audiences” covers the following topics:

~    Museum education as a tool for discussing complex issues:
Being a refugee, religious conflicts, poverty, multiple identities, traumatic memories, human rights, health issues, marginalized communities, endangered cultural heritage, natural  environment at risk, challenges and threats of the virtual world, etc.

~    Museum education as a vehicle for alternative interpretations:
Shedding light on hidden, unknown or misinterpreted aspects of material and intangible heritage or artistic creation, challenging mainstream interpretations and encouraging new glances on  past and present historical events.

~    Catering for the underserved communities and audiences:
Museum education initiatives that ensure accessibility and inclusivity, in the framework of a constantly changing social and cultural landscape. Innovative activities and educational material for historically underserved and marginalized audience groups (the elderly, people with disabilities, the mentally ill, the imprisoned, religious / ethnic or cultural minorities, immigrants, refugees, drug addicts, students requiring particular treatment, etc.).

 The Conference includes:

~    Key note speeches
~    Presentations: Research papers (20′), Thematic papers(15′), Market of ideas (7′), Posters (in printed and digital format)
~    CECA Special Interest Groups (SIG)Workshops
~    Other workshops
~    Awards presentations and ceremony (Research Award, Best Practice Award, Young Members Network Award)
~    Educational visits to museums with interactive activities
~    Day trip to museums and monuments Laconia – Southern Peloponnese (22/11,  optional - extra charge)

Presenters may use any of the ICOM languages – English, French or Spanish.

However, the Conference official languages are Greek and English.

Bilingual interpretation (Greek - English) will be provided during keynote speeches, research / thematic papers, market of ideas and awards presentations - ceremony.

Workshops and educational visits will be held in English.

In this respect, speakers using the French or Spanish language for their presentation, must ensure that all their presentation slides are in English, or with English translation, and that the text included on each slide is as detailed as possible.

The Conference will be held exclusively on site. Part of the presentations might be offered on line or might be recorded and visible on YouTube.

During the first three days (18-20/11) presentations will be hosted at the premises of Benaki Museum - Pireos 138.

The fourth day (21/11) is dedicated to educational visits and interactive workshops at selected museums in Athens.

On Friday (22/11) participants may join the optional day trip to museums and monuments of Laconia – Southern Peloponnese (extra charge).

ICOM members who wish to make a presentation at the Athens Conference (research / thematic papers, market of ideas, workshops, posters), must fill in and submit the on line application form hosted on this site.

Best Practice Award

Research Award

Young Members' Award

Those interested in attending the Conference as participants (ICOM members, Non ICOM members, Students) must fill in and submit the relevant on line application form hosted on this site.

Registration fees will also be paid via this site.

For ICOM members:

For Non ICOM Members:

For Students:

The Conference Registration fees include:

~    A closing reception at the Benaki Museum, at the end of the third day (20/11)
~    Coffee breaks and light lunches (18 - 20/11)
~    Conference material (bags, information material, publications, etc.)
~    Guided tours at museums (apart from the educational visits)
~    Other cultural events to be confirmed

As flight tickets and accommodation are not included in the registration fees, presenters and participants will have to cover their own expenses.

Day trip (optional - extra charge) Friday, 22/11

The optional day trip includes bus transport to Laconia – Southern Peloponnese, guided tours at museums/monuments and a light lunch.

For any queries regarding the event, please contact the Athens Conference Organizing Committee: cecaathens2024@gmail.com. The coordinators will get back to you as quickly as possible on working days.