By young people, for young people

​ESACH is a youth-led network that includes undergraduate and graduate university students, PhD candidates, early career researchers and young professionals with an interest in cultural heritage studies.

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IT ALL STARTED IN 2017

​The European Students' Association for Cultural Heritage (ESACH) is a youth-led network of students and young professionals within cultural heritage based on the principles of interdisciplinarity and peer-to-peer learning. It was established in 2017, on the occasion of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, to highlight the perspective of the younger generations regarding cultural issues of European and national importance. ESACH aims to establish a mutual exchange of knowledge and experience beyond geopolitical boundaries, through collaborations with cultural institutions and an increased involvement of students, young professionals and future decision-makers. 

ESACH is now a Member Organisation of Europa Nostra the Voice of Civil Society Committed to Cultural and Natural Heritage in Europe.

OUR GOAL
The aim of ESACH is to establish an interdisciplinary network of university students, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, young researchers and early-career professionals working in cultural heritage within Europe. The development of this network will increase youth participation in heritage practice, contribute towards a more cohesive heritage practice in Europe and provide members with valuable inter-disciplinary knowledge which will prepare them for work in the challenging field of cultural heritage study, conservation and protection.

At the same time, we hope that ESACH will become a reference among young Europeans. We want to contribute being a new form of connection between society and the cultural heritage. Therefore, it is in the DNA of ESACH collaboration with social organizations, cultural association and cultural enterprises in different countries of the EU, approaching to the latent roots of our cultures.

OUR VISION
Since its foundation in 2017, ESACH has evolved beyond its role in the EYCH 2018 into a concrete proposal to increase young people’s participation and involvement in heritage issues, and a confident voice in the cultural discourse at European and national levels. We are creating a new way of communicating and discussing heritage through our activities and collaborations with heritage institutions and professionals throughout Europe. By enhancing the voices of the younger generation, we are increasing youth engagement and facilitating meaningful conversations about our shared future, contributing to the creation of a unified European discourse on cultural heritage.

OUR PRINCIPLES
ESACH is an inclusive, open platform founded on the values of civic involvement and participatory democracy, driven by the commitment to expand youth involvement in heritage studies, conservation and management. Members who do not abide by our principles will have their membership immediately revoked. 

• ESACH is an inclusive, open platform founded on the values of civic involvement and participatory democracy. Diversity of opinions is always welcomed, as long as they respect the democratic values of autonomy, inclusiveness, equality, freedom of assembly and speech, and minority rights. Hate speech and violence will not be tolerated. 
  

• ESACH is a platform for sharing knowledge and networking, and not a platform for personal or economic gain. Members shall not use the ESACH network for their personal gain in detriment of the common goals.
  

• ESACH is not defined by geopolitical boundaries. Although we share common principles with the European Union and the Council of Europe, we are not associated with these institutions, but with a common vision of shared values and principles. 
  

• ESACH embraces the plurality of cultural expressions within Europe. Our general communications are in English, as it is the most commonly spoken language amongst our members, but we always welcome the use of other languages when relevant. 
  

• ESACH believes in the importance of academic rigour and attribution. We stand by objectivity, scholarship, peer reviews, due referencing and attribution of ideas. We require the use of thorough, standardised referencing and strongly condemn plagiarism and academic dishonesty.  ​
  

STATUES

Find below the ESACH Statutes governing our organisation.

ESACH Statutes_2020.pdf
File Size:	95 kb
File Type:	pdf

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