Cultural resources management
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This article is concerned with cultural resources in the widest sense: for traditional, archaeological and historic culture specifically see Cultural Heritage Management
In the broadest sense, Cultural Resources Management (CRM) is the vocation and practice of managing cultural resources, such as the arts and heritage. It incorporates Cultural Heritage Management which is concerned with traditional and historic culture and the material culture of archaeology. Cultural resources management encompasses current culture, including progressive and innovative culture, such as urban culture, rather than simply attempting to preserve and present traditional forms of culture.
However, the broad usage of the term is relatively recent and as a result it is most often used as synonymous with heritage management. In the United States, cultural resources management is not usually divorced from the heritage context. The term is "used mostly by archaeologists and much more occasionally by architectural historians and historical architects, to refer to managing historic places of archaeological, architectural, and historical interests and to considering such places in compliance with environmental and historic preservation laws." [1]
Cultural resources include both physical assets such as archaeology, architecture, paintings and sculptures and also intangible culture such as folklore and interpretative arts, such as storytelling and drama[2]. Cultural resource managers are typically in charge of museums, galleries, theatres etc., especially those that emphasise culture specific to the local region or ethnic group. Cultural tourism is a significant sector of the tourism industry.
At a national and international level, cultural resource management may be concerned with larger themes, such as languages in danger of extinction, public education, the ethos or operation of multiculturalism and promoting access to cultural resources. The Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity is an attempt by the United Nations to identify exemplars of intangible culture.
Contents |
[edit] Cultural resources management applied to heritage management
- Main article Cultural Heritage Management
Cultural resources management in the heritage context is mainly concerned with the investigation of sites with archaeological potential, the preservation and interpretation of historic sites and artifacts and the culture of indigenous people. The subject developed from initiatives in rescue archaeology, sensitivities to the treatment of indigenous people and subsequent legislation to protect cultural heritage.
In the 1970s, archaeologists created the term "cultural resource management" as a parallel to natural resource management to address the following resources:[3]
- Historic properties (as listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places)
- Older properties that may have cultural value, but may or may not be eligible for the National Register
- Historic properties that have cultural value beyond their historicity
- Native American graves and cultural items
- Shipwrecks
- Museum collections
- Historical documents
- Religious sites
- Religious practices
- Cultural use of natural resources
- Folklife, tradition, and other social institutions
- Theater groups, orchestras, and other community cultural amenities
A significant proprtion of the archaeological investigation in countries that have heritage management legislation including the USA and UK is conducted on sites under threat of development. Museums are popular tourist attractions as well as performing a conservation and research role.
[edit] Management of cultural organisations
The vocation of management in cultural and creative organisations is the subject of research and improvement initiatives, by organisations such as Arts and Business which take a partnership approach to involving professional business people in running and mentoring arts organisations. Some universities[4][5] now offer vocational degrees.
The management of cultural heritage is underpinned by academic research in archaeology, ethnography and history. The broader subject is also underpinned by research in sociology and culture studies.
[edit] Cultural tourism
- Main article Cultural tourism
Recreational travel to experience different cultures has occurred throughout history, exemplified by the Grand Tour which was enjoyed by young aristrocrats from the 17th Century. Cultural tourism, including Heritage tourism is a growth part of the tourism industry.
[edit] Cultural anthropology
- Main article Cultural anthropology
Understanding the traditional cultures of all peoples (Indigenous or not) is essential in mitigating the adverse impact of development and ensuring that intervention by more developed nations is not prejudicial to the interests of local people or results in the extinction of cultural resources.
[edit] Cultural resources policies
Cultural resources policies have developed over time with the recognition of the economic and social importance of heritage and other cultural assets[6].
The exploitation of cultural resources can be controversial, particularly where the finite cultural heritage resources of developing countries are exported to satisfy the demand for antiquities market in the developed world. The exploitation of the potential intellectual property of traditional remedies in identifying candidates for new drugs has also been controversial. On the other hand, traditional crafts can be important elements of income from tourism, performance of traditional dances and music is popular with tourists and traditional designs can be exploited in the fashion industry. Popular culture can also be an important economic asset.
[edit] See also
- Cultural Heritage Management
- Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity
- Intangible culture
- Cultural tourism
- Urban culture
- Cultural landscape
- Cultural anthropology
- Centre for Cultural Resources and Training
- Indian art
- Culture of India
- Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources
- Community art
- Portal:Arts
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
[edit] Further reading
- Thomas F. King, Cultural Resource Laws & Practice: An Introductory Guide, Altamira Press, 1998, trade paperback, 303 pages, ISBN 0-7619-9044-5
