An interview with the Modern Heritage Observatory
As a project born out of the need to preserve modern cultural heritage in the MENA region, what are some of the Modern Heritage Observatory (MoHO) achievements since its initiation in 2011?
The MoHO partners have established a regional network of more than 40 institutions and individuals working with modern heritage. MoHO has helped to solidify the concept of modern heritage in the region, and to raise awareness among the general public of the importance of collective engagement and private initiatives in the fight for the preservation and appreciation of this heritage. Through the website and related social media, these network members and other interested members of the public share news and have access to a directory of organizations and resources related to the field, a virtual gallery, and more. We organise meetings and open-house events regularly.
What challenges did the MoHO partners – the Arab Center for Architecture, the Arab Image Foundation, the Cinémathèque de Tanger, and IRAB the Association for Arabic Music – encounter over the years?
As private institutions with little public funding, raising awareness, advocacy and also capacity-building takes time and a great deal of investment. Fortunately, the establishment of the Modern Heritage Observatory with the financial support of the European Union and the Heinrich Boell Foundation has allowed for a greater exchange of experience, pooling of expertise and elaboration of strategies for joint advocacy actions.
For more info – MoHO website, MoHO Facebook page