Think Tank Considers How to Advance the Cause of Protecting Cultural Heritage
February 25, 2021
New Antiquities Coalition Think Tank Publication Outlines What It Takes to Build a Strong Messaging Campaign for Cultural Heritage Preservation
In the just released AC Think Tank publication, strategic communications expert, former White House spokesperson, and Vice Chair of the AC Board of Directors Claire Buchan Parker creates a blueprint for how to develop a successful public awareness campaign.
Ms. Parker poses: “Just as art thieves and cultural racketeers are taking advantage of new communication vehicles to sell valuable stolen treasures, those of us who are committed to preserving antiquities can harness those same tools and others to raise awareness and protect cultural heritage.”
The practical advice penned by Ms. Parker highlights successful public awareness campaigns such as Global Witness’s “Blood Diamonds” report and WildAid’s anti-ivory campaign. Using these as examples, our expert isolates the most impactful aspects of each campaign and underscores how each was able to change public perception so successfully.
Ms. Parker argues that a distinctive message combined with a strong call to action and deliberate use of media is the best way for a campaign to raise awareness about cultural heritage to succeed. In addition to these findings, the author offers several critical recommendations based on her four case studies and expertise in this area of public relations.
For a summary and link to the publication: https://thinktank.theantiquitiescoalition.org/how-can-we-advance-the-cause-of-protecting-cultural-heritage-and-antiquities-leverage-public-awareness-campaigns/
About the Antiquities Coalition Think Tank
The Antiquities Coalition unites a diverse group of experts in the international campaign against cultural racketeering, the illicit trade in art and antiquities. This plunder for profit funds crime, conflict, and violent extremist organizations around the world. By championing better law and policy, fostering diplomatic cooperation, and advancing proven solutions with public and private partners worldwide, the Antiquities Coalition empowers communities and countries in crisis to safeguard cultural heritage for future generations.
Launched in 2016, the Antiquities Coalition Think Tank joins forces with international experts, including leaders in the fields of preservation, business, law, security, and technology, to bring high-quality, results-oriented research to the world’s decision-makers, especially those in the government and private sectors. Policy briefs strive to strengthen policy makers’ understanding of the challenges facing collective human heritage, and to help them develop better solutions to protect it. The views expressed in these policy briefs are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Antiquities Coalition.
Learn more at thinktank.theantiquitiescoalition.org.