On 20 June, the event “Waiting for Archeofest” took place within the archaeological complex of Massenzio’s villa, in Rome. The initiative, promoted by Roma Culture, Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali, and organized by the cultural Association Paleoes-EXTAD, was dedicated to the presentation of “Archeofest”. Since 2014, the aim of this festival of experimental archaeology is to highlight the research, study and dissemination of ancient technologies -from prehistory to modern societies- as shared cultural values, in a process of heritage re-appropriation by the people.

Discussions focused on the Faro Convention and in particular on cultural heritage enhancement activities carried out by heritage communities. In partnership with the Council of Europe, the 2021 edition of the Festival will be dedicated to the Convention and will take place in September at the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum.

Luisella Pavan-Woolfe, head of the Italian office of the Council of Europe, emphasized how important the initiative is in promoting culture as the "soul of democracy", and in implementing policies sensitive to equal access to cultural heritage, intercultural dialogue and the protection of "cultural rights" as human rights.