OUR COMMON HERITAGE

YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TAKE PART IN THE INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE.

Brucelles, Belgium, by Laetitia R. aged 17 Beloeil, Quebec, by Anne-Marie D. aged 13

The International Heritage Photographic Experience

In 1992, the Generalitat de Catalunya started what was called the Heritage Photographic Experience.  Its aim was clear: to bring youngsters closer to their heritage, so that they would learn to discover it, value it and love it. 

Now called the International Heritage Photographic Experience, (http://ihpe.mhcat.cat/) over 50 countries take part in celebrating ‘Our Common Heritage’.  Since 1992 more than 160,000 young people have become involved in countries as diverse as Namibia and Albania.  Each participating county puts on an exhibition of all the international entries in September.

PhotoArch provides Scotland’s entries to these exhibitions, which run every September to tie in with European Heritage Days, represented in Scotland by Doors Open Days. 

European Heritage Days take place in 49 countries and gives free access to cultural, heritage and architectural sites, many not normally open to the public.  In Scotland, Doors Open Days run every weekend in September, linking communities of many backgrounds, faiths and interests.

PhotoArch and Doors Open Days are supported by Historic Scotland.