18. - 21. Mai 2025, Nova Gorica – Gorizia | ECoC GO! 2025

In 2025, the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture will be shared by Chemnitz, Germany, and an unprecedented cross-border collaboration between the cities of Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Gorizia, Italy. This partnership marks the first "borderless" European Capital of Culture, symbolising a groundbreaking cultural union. Under the slogan "GO! Borderless," Nova Gorica and Gorizia will unite to create an innovative cultural experience that transcends borders, inviting everyone to explore and celebrate the rich, intertwined heritage of both cities.

The symbolic significance of this partnership is especially striking. This region, which once exemplified peaceful coexistence, multilingualism, and multiculturalism, was devastated by the First and Second World Wars. Awarding the European Capital of Culture title to these two bordering towns, long divided by history, reconnects them with their shared roots and past glories. It opens the door to renewed peaceful coexistence and creates a model for dialogue and exchange – a vital alternative in Europe’s challenging times. At the heart of this initiative is the establishment of EPIC (European Platform for the Interpretation of the 20th Century), a participatory museum designed to promote cultural dialogue and shared democratic values. Conceived as a dynamic cultural hub, EPIC will use participatory methodologies to empower the local border communities to share their stories, experiences and perspectives. It represents a departure from the divisive narratives of the past, focusing on amplifying the diverse perspectives within the community. It is more than just a cultural space; it aims to be a beacon of unity, creating a participatory museum for the people, shaped by the people.

This conference seeks to explore and redefine the narratives told by museums, with a focus on inclusivity. It will examine how museums can break away from traditional models to become truly inclusive educational spaces, fostering global understanding and collaboration.
Our goal is to promote the exchange of ideas, best practices, and expertise among museum professionals from diverse backgrounds. This international conference will highlight the potential of a paradigm shift, one that values personal narratives and addresses topics often omitted, erased, or difficult to discuss in contemporary societies.
We will explore how national narratives should be reconsidered, who gives voice to the unheard and vulnerable, and reflect how personal encounters can be key to understanding our rapidly evolving world. This is particularly important as we witness the resurgence of antisemitism, racial prejudices, stereotypes and hate speech.

Conference Topics:
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Exchanging Best Practices: Museums as Borderless Platforms of Knowledge
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Ethics in Museums: Curatorial Roles and Dilemmas
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Museums Serving Their Communities: Building Connections
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Hidden Frontiers: Plural Communities Reflecting on History and Shaping the Future
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Transnational and Cross-Border Museum Collaboration: Strengths, Weaknesses, Challenges, and Opportunities
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Museums and the European Capital of Culture: Sharing Experiences and Best Practices

Call for Abstracts

Please submit your abstract (250 to 300 words maximum) and a short biography (100 words maximum) by 14 November 2024.
Approved proposals will be announced on 30 November 2024, and shortlisted presenters must confirm participation by 20 January 2025.

Please include the following in your abstract submission:
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Author(s)’ Name(s)
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Affiliation
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Title and chosen topic
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Abstract in English (250 to 300 words maximum)
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Short biography (100 words maximum)
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ICOM membership number (if applicable)

The working language of the conference is English, and no interpretation services will be provided.

Submit abstracts in PDF format to:
[email protected]
Conference Fees

The organizing committee is pleased to welcome all community members to participate in the conference. While ICOM membership is not required, registration fees are based on ICOM's tiered pricing structure to ensure fairness, reflecting the economic capacities of different countries.

Tickets are priced between €65 and €115. All tickets include lunch and coffee during the conference, first day reception and transportation to off-site visits.
Conference speakers – €65
ICOM Slovenia, ICOM Italia, ICOM Europe and ICOM SEE members – €90
Early birds (until 31 March 2025) – €75
General admission for countries in ICOM levels 1 and 2 – €115
General admission for countries in ICOM levels 3, 4, and 5 – €95
Young Professionals and Students – €70