The foundation Cultural Heritage without Borders (CHwB) was constituted in April 1995 as a reaction to the acute and massive aid that was needed due to the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Destruction of cultural monuments was quite extensive and systematic, which made the world realise the urgent need for development assistance and protection.
When a group of architects and conservation workers in Sweden gathered to protest, discussions were held to find ways to take concrete action and to suggest proposals for fi nancing Swedish emergency aid in this area within the framework for Sida’s development co-operation. Within this group of founding members the appropriate documents and statutes were drawn up for a foundation whose aims were broadened to include not just urgent action in the former Yugoslavia but also to “promote conservation of cultural property in areas ravaged by armed confl ict, catastrophes or otherwise endangered as well as stimulate appropriate research.”
Because of the special importance of the 22 founding members’ involvement, professional experience and occupational positions, the Foundation could nurture from the very beginning close relations with various parts of Swedish society and cultural life. It was considered a great honour that the then president of the Swedish Red Cross, Princess Christina, wanted to stand as head of the founders, thereby clearly underscoring the sense of a common cause with humanitarian work in general. Other founders included three former Ministers of culture, two members of Parliament, head of the National Heritage Board, chairmen of both the Swedish National Commission for UNESCO and the Swedish Museums Association, presidents of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Royal Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities, the Archbishop of Stockholm, chairmen of the Swedish National Associations of ICOM (International Council of Museums) and ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) as well as secretary generals for the Swedish Association of Architects and the Swedish World Wildlife Fund.
Members of the board and the auditors are appointed by four public bodies and organisations, which are the Swedish National Committees of ICOM and ICOMOS, National Heritage Board and Swedish Association of Architects
Cultural heritage – Reconciliation – Reconstruction – Hopes for the Future
