On September 12, 2024, Melting Pro participated in an event organized by Desk Italia Europa Creativa and the national coordination of the European Heritage Label at the Biblioteca delle Arti in Rome.
The event focused on promoting the European Heritage Label and fostering cooperation in cultural projects across Europe and was dedicated to the promotion of the common European cultural heritage The event was an important occasion to explore the European Heritage Label, a special action of Creative Europe that aimed to strengthen citizens’ sense of belonging to the European Union through the enhancement of common cultural heritage.
The morning opened with the presentation of the 2025 call for the European Heritage Label, which provided guidance on how cultural sites could apply for this prestigious recognition. During this first part, there was also the testimony of the Archaeological Area of Ostia Antica, a site that had already obtained the label, sharing its experience of promotion. Discover the full program here.
Melting Pro and the AHEAD project: innovation and accessibility for cultural heritage
A significant moment of the event was Melting Pro’s presentation of its work on the AHEAD project (Accessible Heritage Experience for Audience Development), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making cultural heritage more inclusive and accessible. As part of the broader focus on European Cooperation Projects within the Creative Europe framework, AHEAD exemplifies how innovative approaches can help transform the way heritage is experienced by diverse audiences.
Through AHEAD, Melting Pro developed new strategies and methodologies to break down barriers that often prevent full access to cultural heritage. Working alongside European partners, the project created solutions to ensure cultural spaces and experiences are open to a wider range of people, including those with disabilities, marginalized communities, and individuals who have historically been excluded from cultural participation. This collaborative approach enabled AHEAD to rethink audience development, not just as a means to increase visitors, but to cultivate deeper and more meaningful interactions with heritage sites and resources.
During the event, Antonia Silvaggi and Giulia Fiaccarini, representing Melting Pro, outlined how the project promotes active engagement from different communities. They emphasized how AHEAD uses innovative tools—such as digital platforms, inclusive design techniques, and community-driven programs—to create new ways for people to connect with cultural heritage. Their presentation underscored the project’s goal of fostering a more inclusive cultural experience, enhancing not only the accessibility of physical spaces but also the sense of connection and ownership people feel toward their shared heritage.
The co-creation aspect of AHEAD was a focal point of the presentation, with Melting Pro highlighting the importance of involving local communities in the development of heritage experiences. By actively engaging with communities, AHEAD ensures that the programs it creates are reflective of the needs and interests of the people they serve. This approach helps to turn cultural heritage into a living, dynamic resource that evolves alongside the communities that interact with it, rather than remaining static or exclusive.
How to join the AHEAD network: sign the manifesto and participate in the change
Cultural professionals and organizations interested in contributing to the accessibility of heritage were encouraged to explore the AHEAD Manifesto, a key document outlining the project’s vision and principles. Available on the AHEAD project website, the manifesto calls for a collective effort to ensure that cultural heritage is accessible to all, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation.
