“Linking community archaeology and wellbeing in the Mediterranean” (LOGGIA) is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship action (€249.618). LOGGIA aims to understand to what extent community archaeology practices can contribute to community wellbeing in the Mediterranean context, by focusing on the inclusion of vulnerable groups through case study research.
Cultural heritage-related activities may break down barriers to public participation and – within the contexts of museums, historic landscapes and parks, and others – may positively impact individual and community wellbeing. LOGGIA will explore the connection between archaeology and wellbeing, specifically focusing on community wellbeing, that is primarily “about strong networks of relationships and support between people in a community” and enables to “improve things in, and influence decisions about, their community” (Bagnall 2017). This approach is timely since archaeology is experiencing growing pressure to demonstrate its value in contemporary society.
So far, community archaeology programs have not involved vulnerable groups to any great extent. The inclusion of selected vulnerable groups in these programs, such as persons with disabilities, aims at expanding and diversifying the groups of stakeholders that have an interest in an archaeological site, narratives and perspectives. The involvement of persons with disabilities in LOGGIA is also effective in assessing the impact of planned activities on community wellbeing.
Why does LOGGIA focus on community archaeology and wellbeing?
Encouraged by the Faro Convention and the Namur Declaration, the interaction between heritage and wellbeing is of growing interest. Recent research has defined archaeology as a successful means of non-medical intervention in regard to individual wellbeing. However, the impact of archaeology on community wellbeing needs further investigations.
Why does LOGGIA engage with vulnerable groups?
So far, few community archaeology projects have involved vulnerable groups. The inclusion of selected groups, such as persons with disabilities, aims at ensuring equal and wide access to cultural heritage assets, following indications included in the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan (2021-2024) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations.
What is the timespan of the project?
LOGGIA started on June 2022 and will end on November 2024.
Where will the project results be available?
Papers will be published in open access. Links to access them will be listed on this website.
