Presentation of Prof. Cecilia Preziuso
This DVD provides an insight into the various aspects of Venice, its peoples, languages, knowledge and the arts that have made this city great. Aspects that have led to reciprocal enrichment and osmosis between man and nature. Venice offers us a different concept of knowledge: as seen in the polycentric history of this multicultural and multi-ethnic old Republic that used to dominate the Mediterranean and was always open to influences and opportunities coming from the East and the rest of the world as it was known at the time. Venice offers a link between past and future. Its syncretism and synthesis reveals its diversity. This is the idea behind the title given to the DVD “Venice and its lagoons”: to highlight the diversity of man's actions that have built its history, changing its shape over the centuries.
After years of pomp and splendid centuries of decline, it has now become imperative that we protect its historical and geographical uniqueness, using all the opportunities and tools that modern technology offers.
The main purpose of this DVD is to reveal - in straight-forward, but rigorous and scientific language - the many elements of "outstanding universal value" for which Venice and its lagoon was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. From the original settlement and growth to incorporate parts of the sea to the scope and richness of its trade and its role as a cultural melting pot, a cradle of art and a strategic place for politics and diplomacy: these all make it a unique site to be protected and preserved for future generations through sustainable development.
This DVD is conceived to offer different opinions, analysis and interpretation, proposing a "new way to immerse yourself in the charm of Venice and its lagoons" to arouse new interest and further study in a dynamic propelling way.
Venice and its lagoon is aimed at a wide range of users, from scholars and those with a serious interest in the subject, professors, researchers and lecturers, to cultured and conscious tourists. The chance to get an overview of the city in each age, entering an open historic path with a synchronic and diachronic spatial dimension. Insights into the many aspects of the city's artistic, cultural, political and commercial life. And that's not all. The city's history, in its entirety and with its multiple factors, has contributed to the question today "Venice: which future?" This approach describes how the modern city has been transformed and the principles that have led to the restrictions upon which the conservation of UNESCO world heritage is based, together with the problems and difficulties that institutions face in trying to safeguard this heritage in today's context of globalization, climate change and environmental issues.
This multimedia product benefits from support from and patronage by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), ICCROM (International Center for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property), the Italian National Commission for UNESCO, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the City of Venice. It has drawn on the advice and input of a high profile editing committee and the collaboration of distinguished experts in various disciplines, including teachers and researchers from prestigious universities and research centers. Other famous names and authoritative experts have taken part in the technical and artistic aspects of the project. Our sincere thanks to them all.
Another innovative aspect of this open work is the opportunity it provides to put forward valid ideas and projects to safeguard Venice and “return” the city to its inhabitants. In fact, new scientific contributions are expected to be added to future editions to give substance to UNESCO principles.
Prof. Cecilia Preziuso
President of Aliusmodi Cultural Association
Member of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO