Mark Your Calendar: November 14 in Rome for a Landmark Cultural Heritage Event
On November 14, 2020, amid the global pandemic, UNESCO established the first International Day against the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property — marking exactly 50 years since the signing of the 1970 Paris Convention, which set out measures to prevent the illegal import, export, and transfer of cultural heritage. For the first time, the international community confronted the pressing issue of illicit circulation. The day was created to raise awareness about large-scale looting of archaeological sites, particularly in conflict zones, illegal excavations, and the rapid rise of online sales of stolen artifacts.
Italy has taken this initiative a step further. In 2023, The Journal of Cultural Heritage Crime launched the idea of commemorating the day each year with seminars, meetings, and conferences. From the outset, the goal has been to make it Italy’s premier annual forum for discussions on safeguarding cultural heritage.
This year, on November 14, the Museo di Arte Classica at Sapienza University — in the historic Odeion — will host the 3rd Conference: “Databases and Archives as Tools to Combat Crimes Against Cultural Heritage.”
Running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event is organized by The Journal of Cultural Heritage Crime, in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome, and Art Crime Project APS.
The morning session will focus on databases and the collaboration between law enforcement and cultural institutions. Participants will explore key tools such as ICCD–MiC, the Carabinieri TPC’s Illegally Stolen Cultural Property database, INTERPOL’s Stolen Works of Art Database, the FBI’s National Stolen Art File, the Art Loss Register, the Lost Art Database, the Jeu de Paume database, and ICOM Red Lists. These resources play a critical role in tracking, cross-referencing, and facilitating the recovery of stolen artworks.
In the afternoon, attention will shift to archives and research, featuring presentations from the Directorate General for Archives and case studies on artists’ archives, restoration archives, and ecclesiastical collections. Topics will include “stolen archaeology” and the work of the Monuments Men and Women Foundation. The day will close with a roundtable discussion to reflect on the key issues explored.
This event promises a full day of insight, collaboration, and debate — a unique opportunity to examine how Italy is protecting its cultural treasures in an increasingly complex world.
