The new series of participatory workshops “What’s Above” kicks off at the end of February and will run throughout March, concluding in early April. This new initiative aims to introduce younger residents to Ercolano’s cultural heritage and equip them with the tools to become future protagonists in safeguarding and enhancing its cultural and natural heritage.
This initiative represents the natural continuation of the “What’s Beneath” workshop, conducted by Variabile K last year on behalf of the Packard Institute for Cultural Heritage and in collaboration with the Herculaneum Archaeological Park and the Giulio Rodinò Comprehensive School. With the “What’s Beneath” workshop, the students were guided through the work of archaeologists, geologists, and professionals involved in geoarchaeological investigations and served as ambassadors, sharing the findings with the community. Today, the students will discover the results of these investigations, which trace the boundaries of the ancient city beneath the modern one and redraw the landscape of ancient Herculaneum. This workshop marks the beginning of the public outreach activities for this important study, a further step in the partnership between the Herculaneum Archaeological Park and the Packard Humanities Institute.
A series of workshops to learn about what is there for all to see.
The program includes workshops and hands-on experience in the area, with a comprehensive program that combines urban exploration, knowledge of the tangible and intangible historical and artistic heritage, and in-depth scientific study.
Through opportunities for discussion both locally and in the Archaeological Park, Villa Campolieto, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the Vesuvius Observatory, and the historic center of Ercolano—from the Vintage Market to the Basilica of Pugliano to associations dedicated to the cult of the Madonna dell’Arco—”Cosa c’è sopra” aims to develop in participants a greater awareness of the cultural richness present in their daily lives, strengthening their sense of belonging to the territory and promoting a culture of protection and valorization based on knowledge. Furthermore, it is a space for exchange where new stories of the territory’s history can emerge thanks to the personal experience that each young Ercolano resident brings to the workshop series.
The project’s central objective is to create a lively dialogue between the contemporary and ancient cities, in line with UNESCO principles that promote an active relationship between archaeological heritage and the local community.
An inclusive project for the new generations
The group of participants, aged between 8 and 15, is heterogeneous and represents a wide range of experiences and educational needs. The participants included children who:
- have shown particular interest in archaeology and cultural heritage in previous workshops;
- they belong to the Via Mare community, with which we intend to continue a path of educational and cultural presence;
- present specific fragilities that have emerged in other laboratory contexts and which have been identified and carefully monitored by the working group.
Educating about heritage to build communities
“”What’s Above” is proposed not only as a learning experience, but as a path of civic and relational growth, capable of strengthening the bond between young people and their territory, valorising the heritage as a shared cultural resource and common good to be known, protected and transmitted..
The project thus confirms itself as an important opportunity for active participation, social inclusion, and cultural citizenship education for the new generations of Ercolano.