Reclaiming Heritage: The Repatriation of Stolen Cultural Objects in the Post-colonial Era

Join us for "Reclaiming Heritage," a thought-provoking symposium on the repatriation of stolen cultural objects in the post-colonial era.

Reclaiming Heritage will bring together leading voices from the world of museums, cultural heritage, and academia to address the critical issue of repatriating cultural objects, with a special focus on the Benin Bronzes. These iconic artefacts, taken during the colonial era, have become a powerful symbol of the ongoing movement to return cultural treasures to their rightful owners.

The symposium will explore how the restitution of such objects can heal historical wounds and restore cultural identity to the communities from which they were taken.

Featuring Keynote Speaker Prof. Dan Hicks, curator at the Pitt Rivers Museum and author of The Brutish Museums, this event will showcase case studies from institutions in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. It will bring together diverse perspectives from Indigenous leaders, curators, scholars, and policymakers to discuss best practices and strategies for returning cultural heritage objects. 

This symposium offers a platform for meaningful dialogue on the ethical dimensions of repatriation and decolonisation, highlighting how institutions and communities can work together to address the legacies of colonialism. It also aims to foster collaboration across borders, with participants from the UK, Nigeria, and other nations engaged in these efforts, creating pathways for cultural healing and justice.

Event Details

Organised by: Graduate Program in Curatorial and Museum Studies, The University of Adelaide and South Australian Museum

Date: Tuesday 29 October 2024

Location: Napier Lecture Theatre G03, Napier Building
Time: 10am - 5 pm

Program: To be announced

Cost: Free (Registration required)

Please note: A separate ticket is required for Prof. Hicks' The Art of Curation keynote on 'White Fabulation: a prehistory of culture wars' on Monday the 28th at 5:30 pm in The Braggs Lecture Theatre.

Facilitators:

• Dr Ania Kotarba, Director of Curatorial and Museum Studies Program, The University of Adelaide
• Anna Russo, Manager for Aboriginal Heritage and Repatriation, South Australian Museum

Please RSVP by Monday 14 October, to accommodate dietary requirements. For further information regarding the event, please contact Dr Ania Kotarba at museumstudies@adelaide.edu.au 

We look forward to welcoming you to this important conversation!