Occupying the Pedestal: Cultural Heritage, Protest, and the Law

This event delves into the complex issues surrounding the removal of statues, the creation and reinterpretation of cultural heritage, and the legal and social implications of protests against established commemorative practices. It examines contemporary controversies, including the Black Lives Matter movement's impact on public spaces, the re-evaluation of sites like Hagia Sophia, and ongoing debates about public art installations like London's 'Fourth Plinth'. The discussion also touches upon international examples such as the Juukan Gorge caves. Ultimately, the event explores what it means to decide which individuals or elements are commemorated in a landscape where our understanding of heritage is constantly evolving.