From April 2nd to 4th, 2025, the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica hosted the first international Study Visit of the AHEAD project — a three-day event rich in sharing, inspiration, and exchange among partners from the Italian, Greek, and Spanish hubs.
Against the evocative backdrop of ancient ruins, maritime pines, cats and lived heritage, this gathering offered a unique opportunity to experience the co-designed prototypes developed over the past months by the Italian hub, made up of Melting Pro and the Park staff, in close collaboration with local communities.
Prototypes come to life
During the visit, partners were guided through immersive field activities that showcased the outcomes of the AHEAD Labs and the application of the ACED (Audience Centered Experience Design) methodology. Two main target groups had been engaged in the process:
- Teenagers from Istituto I.I.S. Carlo Urbani (Acilia)
- Over-60s from the Isola Sacra land reclamation community
These audiences co-created new experiences at the Park, including:
- Unguided visits, enabling personal exploration and reflection
- A wellness trail in the Forum Baths, blending yoga, essential oils, and herbal teas
- An oral history experience at the Necropolis of Porto, where stories of ancient trades intertwined with living memories of the territory
Project partners were not only observers but active participants in the testing phase, offering valuable feedback to help refine the prototypes and make them sustainable and replicable.
From observation to reflection
Throughout the visit, facilitated sessions such as World Cafés and group reflections offered a deeper dive into crucial topics:
- How to ensure the sustainability of AHEAD methodologies
- How to structurally involve artists in heritage innovation processes
- How to gather meaningful feedback from audiences before, during, and after activities
Key insights emerged, including the need to shift from project-based to organisation-based approaches, foster stronger ties with local communities, and rethink roles, language and space within cultural institutions.
A highlight of the exchange was the role of artists in the Labs. Italian filmmaker Simone Vacca and Spanish artist Majo García Polanco shared their experiences, pointing to the importance of artistic residency, performative presence, and participatory processes that empower both audiences and cultural sites.
A collaborative moment of growth
Each day offered rich opportunities for exchange. On the second day, partners experienced the Wellness prototype co-created with teenagers of the local school, with stops dedicated to yoga, readings and sports in the are of the Fori, while in the final day, participants explored the Necropolis of Isola Sacra, experiencing the co-created storytelling journey with the elderly community, and engaged in a dialogue with a local representative about the memory and social conditions of the area.
This first AHEAD Study Visit was not just a space for showcasing results, but a real moment of collective growth — where international teams moved from problem-solving to need-understanding, a core principle of the ACED method.
What’s next?
The Study Visit ended with a renewed sense of connection and commitment. Teams are now working to integrate insights and approaches into their upcoming Labs.
📍 Next stops: Messara (Greece) in May and Altamira (Spain) in June — where new co-designed experiences are taking shape.
✍ Want to dive deeper into the project? Read the AHEAD manifesto, explore the methodologies, and join the network!
🔗 Links
