From June 25th to 27th, 2025, the AHEAD partnership gathered in Santillana del Mar, Spain, for the third international study visit of the project. Hosted by the Museum of Altamira and the University of Deusto, this three-day event focused on deepening the collaborative work on inclusive cultural heritage engagement, with a particular emphasis on local community involvement.
The visit provided partners from Greece, Italy, Spain, and Belgium the opportunity to explore innovative prototypes and methodologies developed within the Spanish Hub, especially those targeting stronger ties with the local community around Altamira. The Museum of Altamira, renowned for its prehistoric cave art, opened its doors not only to its permanent exhibitions and the Neocave—a faithful replica of the original cave closed to the public for conservation reasons—but also offered exclusive behind-the-scenes access to its archives and conservation laboratories.
The program included participatory sessions such as workshops facilitated by the University of Deusto, where partners and local community members engaged in collaborative reflection and co-creation activities based on the ACED methodology. The use of Appreciative Inquiry helped identify strengths and future opportunities to enhance cultural heritage experiences.
In the afternoons, participants enjoyed guided tours of the picturesque village of Santillana del Mar, coinciding with the local festivities in honor of Saint Juliana, fostering rich cultural exchange between visitors and residents. An open event at the Jesús Otero Museum and Foundation presented the AHEAD project alongside community engagement experiences from Italy and Greece, sparking dynamic discussions on collaborative heritage work.
The final day featured a guided visit to the nearby El Pendo cave, a site of great archaeological significance, allowing participants to connect firsthand with the prehistoric heritage of the region and deepen their understanding of the cultural context that inspires much of the AHEAD project’s work.
This study visit reinforced the AHEAD project’s commitment to creating inclusive, participatory, and sustainable cultural heritage practices, bridging international expertise with local community knowledge to inspire new models of heritage engagement.
