Conference "Archaeology and Power. Positionings for the future of researching the past"

Archaeology and Power. Positionings for the future of researching the past.

Conference of the DGUF (German Society for Prehistory- and Protohistory) in Berlin from 5th to 8th May 2016

Doing Archaeology means working in a complex interplay of forces which includes the decision on how much of state archaeology will be managed by skilled personnel in the future and how strong archaeological institutions can act when there is a conflict of interests. Currently other protagonists are rapidly gaining influence, for instance those in social media. Laws with a huge effect on archaeology are adopted – and archaeology itself hardly acts or reacts, even though the professional future of archaeologists and the quality of their professional life and last but not least public interest in archaeology is on stake. How can and how must archaeology contribute in order to secure an acceptable future for the discipline and for researching the past?

At the 2016 DGUF conference we will address this central topic. We want to define the position of archaeology and of the trustees of archaeological heritage, outline fields of action and, by doing so, initiate the preparation of an agenda in favor of a discipline which currently is undergoing comprehensive changes.

Although the conference is partly meant as a continuation of the previous conference held in Tübingen in 2015, you are not required to be familiar with all the details of the Tübingen conference in order to participate or to give a talk at the Berlin conference.

The conference is addressed to …
... archaeologists in all professional positions and from all subfields. For us, the conference is of central importance for students and postgraduates who want to join in the discussion on their professional future. We are looking forward to all occupational groups who hold a position of power with regard to archaeology such as lawyers, politicians, journalists, third party donors and suchlike. Also most welcome are non-professionals interested in researching the past and who would like to contribute and be heard.

The subtle shift of power
The autonomy of the discipline is changing: citizens, investors, politicians, media, managers from the sectors of education and science seize power in archaeology. What is happening here and how do we deal with it? Does the ongoing change in media accelerate the loss of autonomy or does it rather offer untapped chances? There is a growing political demand for more civic engagement, also in science. Will an increase in civic engagement in archaeology lead to a loss of control and power or is this a chance to strengthen archaeology?

Topics of the conference
Our aim is to reflect upon the topic of Archaeology as a Profession and Power. Research funding: Who will receive funding and what for? The power of networks. Precariat and unstable contractual relationships: How does this influence the work done and to those who do it? Careers of young scientists: The unstable path leading towards a scientific career. Area of conflict: state archaeology – companies – universities.

Learning from the past? Archaeology and Power back then.
What can we learn from the history of science, i.e. its role during the Nazi era, in the GDR or with regard to networks within the early BRD? Looking back: What can we learn from the past for the current situation?

Law and Power: legal nit-picking only at first glance
Our aim is to take a look at ongoing legal developments: in the field of cultural heritage acts, monument protection laws, developments in EU legislation, class action, the Faro convention. What can we expect? Are we subjected to legal changes as if they were uncontrollable forces of nature or are we in the position to make a change?...and who could and should exert influence?

We want to understand: Psychology of Power
Clinging to formal power. Power and Responsibility. Delegating responsibility to a higher-ranking individual is a shift of power. Does this mean that professionals without any formal power cannot be held responsible, for instance with regard to protecting cultural heritage? We will be talking about avoiding conflicts in archaeology and the fear of exerting any influence. A psychological profile of the archaeological profession.

Learning from others: Institutions and NGOs
Today non-governmental organizations (NGOs) act in many fields by pooling civic interests according to themes and represent a counterweight and an addition to state organizations.. How does this work in the field of environmental and nature protection for example? Can archaeology learn from their experiences? Are NGOs necessary in archaeology? Do we need a professional association which will protect the "archaeologic profession" as such and which will strive to achieve fair employment conditions for archaeologists by mediating between employers and the unions?

Our aim is to influence attitudes: A New Understanding of Power in Archaeology
Archaeologists are the lawyers of cultural heritage. Protecting monuments inevitably leads to conflicts. The systems present in museums and in science are competitive. There are conflicts and competition everywhere. Instead of denying this or hushing it up, this fact should be accepted. It is essential to take on responsibility instead of delegating it to someone in a higher position, which might or might not be convenient. Archaeology is part of society, and citizens are both interested in it and willing to provide archaeology with power. How much power can we obtain?... and do we want to obtain that much power at all?

Call for papers
The duration per talk should not exceed 20 minutes. There will be a discussion of about 10 minutes with the audience after each talk. Some of the issues outlined are less suitable for talks in the usual sense. We therefore expressively invite other kinds of input like short statements, experience reports or suggestions for a discussion. All contents can be made either in German or in English. In order to submit your proposal, please contact us via e-mail (vorstand[at]dguf.de) by 7th of March, using "DGUF conference" as the subject and including title, a summary of a maximum of 250 words, the kind of input, a short biography (of a maximum of 5 lines) and your contact information. All entries will be reviewed and we will inform you by 18th of March at the latest if your proposal was accepted.

Please note that the closing date for being registered as a speaker will be 10th of April by the latest, and we must have received the conference fee on our account by this date.

The summaries and short biographies will be published in advance, together with the conference program. The talks and, if possible, also other kinds of input provided, will be published via the open access DGUF journal "Archäologische Informationen".

Organisational information about the DGUF conference
Conference venue:
Berlin (exact location will be communicated as soon as possible)

The conference language is German, presentations in English are welcome. Some assistance will be provided for those not fluent in German.

Conference fees
Standard rate: 70 euros
Reduced rate (DGUF members, speakers, students): 40 euros

The conference fee includes refreshments during the coffee breaks.

Conference registration
To participate, please register by sending an email with the subject line "Conference registration Berlin 2016: Your NAME" to: geschaeftsfuehrung[at]dguf.de.

On receipt of your registration you will be sent confirmation with details of the conference bank account. Participants must register by email (and pay the conference fee) by 10th of April.