The FRH Biennial Conference 2026 will take place on 22–23 October in Leuven, Belgium. Known for its vibrant academic tradition, Leuven is actively exploring solutions not only to preserve its churches, monasteries, chapels, and collections, but to keep them meaningful and alive. This scenario will offer an inspiring backdrop for conversations among heritage professionals, policymakers, and heritage enthusiasts from across Europe.
Our 2026 conference will explore new paths for the future of Europe’s religious heritage, focusing on how collaborative action and a holistic and integrated management can help ensure that religious heritage remains relevant, resilient, and accessible for generations to come. The programme will revolve around three interconnected sub-themes:
- 1) Ownership of Religious Heritage. This sub-theme will explore how ownership and management models can broaden participation in decision making processes about the future of religious heritage. We will focus on how local communities in Flanders and across Europe can be empowered to take a more active role in safeguarding and revitalising their heritage.
- 2) Holistic Approach. Religious heritage management requires an integrated understanding of its many layers—community involvement, surrounding environment, living traditions, public strategies, funding mechanisms, and more. This sub-theme will focus on showcasing comprehensive approaches that demonstrate how considering the whole ecosystem can lead to more sustainable and inclusive outcomes across Europe.
- 3) Policies and instruments. We will highlight innovative policies, tools, and best practices that support the reuse and revalorisation of religious heritage sites. Discussions will focus on existing processes, frameworks, and opportunities for improvement at regional, national, and European levels.
This event will be organised in partnership with PARCUM, a Flemish Government recognised museum and centre of expertise for religious art and culture, and the Flanders Heritage Agency, which protects immovable heritage, supports its conservation and carries out policy-oriented research in Flanders.
More information about the full programme and speakers will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
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