A Brief Overview

 

Heritage has too often been shaped by those in power, leading to narrow stories and the exclusion of many voices. Since 2006, CIE – Centre for International Heritage Activities has worked to change this by creating platforms that honour the diverse and complex realities of heritage—across cultures, borders, and histories.

 

From the beginning, CIE has built collaborative networks to challenge dominant narratives and promote more inclusive approaches. One of our key milestones was the creation of the Mutual Cultural Heritage Network and Database, developed through European and Dutch partnerships. This initiative explored the legacy of colonialism and highlighted the need for balanced, equitable relationships between former colonisers and formerly colonised societies within the field of heritage.

 

Over the past 20 years, our community-based projects—many emerging from our work in Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage (MUCH) and Cultural and Development initiatives in Afghanistan and around the Indian Ocean—have helped us build grassroots partnerships and long-term cooperation. These collaborations aim to deepen the understanding of how heritage is created and shared, and to provide space for different perspectives to come together in meaningful, respectful dialogue.

 

We are deeply grateful to the many individuals and communities who have contributed to our journey with their knowledge, experience, and honest feedback. Their voices have helped shape CIE and keep our work relevant.

 

A decade ago, we published A Changing World: Perspectives on Heritage as a reflection on our experience in Afghanistan and as a vision for a more sustainable and equal approach to heritage. That vision now lives on through our three core programmes:

 

• CIE – Institute for Heritage Justice: A research and education hub that encourages mutual learning and critical reflection.

• CIE – Universe & HeritageLab: A creative and experimental space shaped by collaboration with heritage communities.

• CIE – Futures: A forward-looking programme focused on digital heritage, innovation, and interpretation.

 

 

Discover Our Work Last 20 years

 

Explore the countries and projects we’ve been part of since 2006, and see how we’re working together with communities around the world to shape the future of heritage.