The Fifth Faro Convention Network (FCN) at the Venice International University

The meeting gathered 12 onsite participants, including Luiss Ph.D. student Stefanija Hrle Aiello who was representing Co-Roma, and 3 online participants, plus 3 participants from the Council of Europe, Luisella Pavan-Woolfe, who supervised the meeting, Francesc Pla, and Jovana Poznan. 

On the first day, the participants undertook an overview of the initiatives and achievements, also recognizing the recent adhesions and ratifications of the Faro Convention. Then there was a presentation of “The Faro Way,” which is the new joint project of CoE and EC that promotes the principles of the Faro Convention. “Your Faro Game,” an online role-playing game available from the end of December, was also presented. Further, there was the presentation of individual achievements during the last year, among which Co-Roma was able to contribute thanks to the Living Memory Exhibition and the Heritage Walks. 

The central topic of the second day of the program was the Action plan and its main future goals, which would be, firstly to give major visibility to Faro Network through social media and every 2 months organize the Faro Coffee Talks as a frequent and regular tool of exchanging experiences. Furthermore, to decide roles of the network members within the organization of a fil festival in May by Patrizia Vachino and to decide the time, date, and topic of the research workshops regarding cooperation with professionals. Lastly, the Action plan should include possible developments of the Evolution of the online game and consider new candidatures for the Network and possible places for the Faro Network Meeting 2022. 

The general conclusions to be taken from this experience are the need for decentralization of the network (creation of national networks); the necessity for stronger communication and sharing of experience between members, for which the Coffee Talks could be a great tool; the translation of Network’s documents in various languages; the utmost importance of preserving also intangible heritage; and finally, the education of young people; involving schools and linking with the museums. Possible projects for Co-Roma during the new year could be the adherence to the Faro Suitcase project, the Faro Training organized by LUISS during the European Capitals of Culture in Novi Sad, Serbia, the proposals for HE funds with Kaunas (see the latest mail exchange with Ed Carrol), and finally, the adherence to Faro Rete Italia Platform, on which Dr. Hrle Aiello is currently working.