The latest Arqus Summer School on dealing with European Universities’ difficult heritage concluded successfully

Hosted by the University of Padua from September 16 to 20, 2024, the Summer School brought together students, academics, and cultural heritage professionals from across Europe to reflect on the challenging legacy of European universities’ pasts.

The Arqus Summer School “Dissonant Narratives: Dealing with European Universities’ Difficult Heritage” successfully concluded after an intensive week of discussions, workshops, and guided tours.

The programme aimed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to critically engage with dissonant heritage/narratives tied to uncomfortable or controversial pasts. Through lectures from experts such as Giuliana Tomasella and David Martín López, and guided tours of significant sites, like Palazzo Bo and the Museo della Natura e dell’Uomo, attendees explored how universities grapple with complex legacies from colonialism to authoritarian regimes.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on topics such as the Black Lives Matter movement’s impact on museums, the fascist legacies in academic spaces, and the ethical implications of human remains in university collections. The event culminated with a workshop, where participants collaborated on practical strategies to address and narrate dissonant heritage in their own institutions.

The success of the Summer School highlights the value of rigorous self-examination by universities on their role in shaping historical understanding and public engagement. This unique event fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration, furthering the Arqus Alliance’s commitment to innovation and international dialogue in Higher Education.