Online Only: Transformative Journeys - Fostering Wellbeing with Archaeology

An online only seminar by Dr Francesco Ripanti (University of Birmingham) and Dr Giorgos Papantoniou (Department of Classics, TCD) as part of the Medical and Health Humanities Seminar Series.

Please register here to join online.

Research on archaeology and wellbeing has shown consistent and promising results in recent years. Archaeology-Based Wellbeing Interventions (AWIs) explore how engagement with the past can make a difference to wellbeing, producing outcomes such as socialisation, happiness and self-esteem. AWIs aim to achieve a wellbeing impact on the participants by engaging them with a variety of programmes based on archaeology, including excavations, walks in the historic landscape, photographic sessions and other craft workshops.
This contribution proposes an in-depth reflection on the different forms and dynamics of interaction in AWIs and how they can contribute to mental health and promote inclusiveness, equality, connection and cohesion. The analysis is based on the quantitative and qualitative data collected during the programme 'ArcheologicaMente', delivered in Vignale (Italy) in September 2023, and the 'ΑρχαιοΛογικά' programme, delivered in the Xeros Valley (Larnaca district) between October and December 2023. The two case studies have been carried out within the framework of research project 'Linking community archaeology and wellbeing in the Mediterranean' (LOGGIA). Funded by the European Union as Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship, LOGGIA has worked with local communities and vulnerable groups on programmes based on the historic landscape and assessed how archaeology practices can contribute to community wellbeing.
Bio
Francesco Ripanti is Assistant Professor in Heritage and History at the University of Birmingham. His research covers several themes related to community and digital archaeology, heritage and museum studies. 
His PhD research in public archaeology (University of Pisa) proposes an operational workflow for evaluating public participation in excavation-based projects, applying it in three Italian case studies.
From public participation he broadened its focus to include wellbeing. During his Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at Trinity College Dublin (Department of Classics), he researched on archaeology and wellbeing through the LOGGIA project. LOGGIA has investigated to what extent community archaeology practices can contribute to community wellbeing in the Mediterranean context, by focusing on the inclusion of vulnerable groups through case study research.
Giorgos Papantoniou is Assistant Professor in Ancient Visual and Material Culture at the Department of Classics, he is coordinating the international scientific network “Unlocking Sacred Landscapes” (UnSaLa). His research agenda is based on interdisciplinary approaches: bringing together archaeological, landscape, textual, epigraphic, art-historical, ethnographic and anthropological evidence, he works on Mediterranean ritual space, sanctuaries, and religion. Giorgos is member of the Board of the European Huntington Association and ambassador of employing culture in the service of disability studies.

Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: summerej@tcd.ie