ASCE Conference 2021: call for papers

Cemetourism: Cemeteries with stories to tell

Call for papers

This year’s conference of the Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe (ASCE) has the
theme Cemetourism: Cemeteries with stories to tell. It will take a practical rather than historical
approach to significant cemeteries, looking at questions of ‘how’:
  • How can cemeteries communicate their cultural importance to the public? 
  • How can cemeteries establish why are they important, and to whom?  
  • How can cemeteries engage with visitors and potential visitors?  
  • How best can cemeteries share their understanding of their cultural value? 
  • How can cemeteries enrich the visitor experience? 
  • How can cemeteries do all this while respecting their primary purpose as places of burial?
We are seeking speakers with practical knowledge or experience who can communicate well to
a broad international audience.

Conference dates and venue

Thursday 11 and Friday 12 November 2021. Online, via Zoom.  
Organised by the Friends of Highgate Cemetery Trust for the Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe.

Conference themes

Papers are invited along the following themes: 
  • Understanding the cultural significance of cemeteries
  • Developing the unique story of your cemetery
  • Wayfinding: helping visitors navigate to the parts that matter
  • Cemetery museums: complementing the outdoor experience
  • Cultural programming in cemeteries
  • Working with tourism promotion agencies
  • Reconciling tourism with burial activities

Conference papers

Papers should last no longer than 25 minutes, excluding questions. The conference language is English. You will need to be able to present online to participate.

Proposals

Please submit an abstract of no more than 300 words summarising your intended paper no later
than Friday 9 July 2021. Please use the form at this link.
Successful contributors will be notified by 26 July 2021.  Conference bookings will open on 1 September 2021.

Editorial board

  • Ian Dungavell
  • John Moffatt
  • Ioanna Paraskevopoulou 
  • Andreea Pop

Further information

Please email 2021@cemetourism.net. Follow us on Twitter: @Cemetourism and Facebook.