Archaeological finds as historical facts are unquestionably essential for the research, but they do not tell the whole story, nor do they carry an intrinsic significance. Consequently, modern historiography/archaeology should be considered as a public discourse that acts in the presence and consequently shapes a society’s roadmap to its future rather than objectively documents its past.

We will use the definition of public archaeology as a subject that examines the relationship between archaeology and the public and then seeks to improve it. It will be conceived as a dynamic endeavour, which consists of an ever-evolving two-stage cycle comprising both research and action. First, there is research into the archaeology–public relationship, which is then followed by action to improve that relationship, followed by research, and action, and so on. Research involves collection and analysis of data and may take the form of scholarly or practice-based work performed mostly by specialists. Nevertheless, for our project, it must be intended to bring about change – some improvement of knowledge and relations in archaeology’s relationship with the public in two states.

Members of both research groups were in the past active in different actions of promoting archaeological heritage. The proposed collaboration will enable the continuation of these processes, identification and transfer of good practices, as well as the accumulation of knowledge and experiences in communicating the interpretations of archaeological heritage in different national/political and social/cultural frameworks.

​

Project leader: Assoc. Prof. Martina Blečić Kavur  &  Assist. Prof. Pavle Dragičević