Civic Engagement and Cultural Heritage: Lessons from the Herculane Project

Abstract

In the current global context, the cultural sector faces various challenges related to funding, access, and participation. This paper aims to identify potential pathways for civic initiatives. The purpose of this narrative article is to discuss the role of civic engagement in protecting cultural heritage goods when public authorities fail to do so. The Romanian Law of Preserving Cultural Monuments is central to this discussion. It delineates the responsibilities of both governmental and non-governmental entities in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage. Thus, the Herculane Project- situated in Băile Herculane (Herculane Baths), initiated by a Romanian non-governmental organization (NGO) offers invaluable lessons on the dynamics between civil society, public administration authorities, and the preservation of cultural monuments. The work presents a qualitative analysis of the mechanisms through which civic engagement has influenced the trajectory of the Herculane Project. It explores how local communities, NGOs, and grassroots movements have mobilized to advocate for the preservation of Băile Herculane's cultural heritage. The conclusion of this paper aims to demonstrate the relevance of contemporary civil societies in preserving cultural heritage goods. It underlines how the best practices employed by the NGO in charge of the Herculane Project can be applied to other cases while considering the dynamics of cultural heritage preservation.