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Lost & Found | Discussions: Contested Spaces and the Creation of Heritage

Lost & Found | Discussions

Contested Spaces and the Creation of Heritage

ADMISSION: FREE - DONATIONS ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR

Heritage sites are culturally complex, where the meaning of a place often differs between groups and individuals. A place's value - whether historical, cultural, architectural, natural, social or economic - can be comprised of both physical and intangible elements.

In order to fully appreciate, learn from, and gain inspiration from our heritage sites, they require thoughtful planning and management that accounts for the numerous ways that a place can have significance for people.

The discussion will be an open forum to discuss the complexities of heritage sites and contemplate ways to approach the intricacies of a sense of place.

This panel discussion is part of a year-long series that will explore places with contested values in Toronto and how contemporary social values should contribute to the evolving concepts of heritage value and significance.

In this opening session, we will explore:
- What are the different ways that land is viewed and valued by people?

- To what extent is the creation of what will be our future heritage organic or planned? Is it equitable? Does age equal significance?

- What can be done to address conflicting values and objectives on existing sites, and how do we plan for places with multiple and possibly conflicting values?

- How should our heritage management practices evolve in order to exemplify contemporary social values, while at the same time recognizing that Eurocentric values undeniably continue to influence us?

- How can we as citizens contribute fully to the planning of such complex places? Is there a balance between the prerogatives of the people vs. the expert when determining cultural significance? If we move beyond the current consultation model, what are the difficulties that need to be addressed?