Smithsonian hosts special conference on cultural heritage

The Smithsonian Institution is hosting a symposium with the University of Chicago on Friday. The conference will focus on how cultural heritage has become a target during global conflicts and an aid for reconciliation. The Freer Gallery of Art will host the discussion with leading specialists on cultural policy. The gathering comes after recent images depicting members of the Islamic State group demolishing priceless museum artifacts in Iraq. The discussion will include: UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, Metropolitan Museum of Art President Emily Rafferty, Mounir Bouchenaki of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage and Richard Kurin, the Smithsonian’s undersecretary for history, art and culture. A second panel will comprise of experts on archaeology and cultural heritage in Latin America, Asia and elsewhere. The sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Registration is essential.