Words by Abi Scaife
A virtual museum full of stolen artefacts is in the works.
Amazing! Tell me more.
UNESCO is the cultural agency of the UN. They’re putting together a virtual museum with a difference - it is designed to showcase artefacts from around the world that have been stolen.
Why?
Developed with Interpol, an international police organisation, the virtual museum aims to showcase how stealing artefacts has a huge effect on shared cultural heritage and raise public awareness of trafficking.
Valuable cultural objects are often smuggled across boarders by thieves, and there are many high-profile cultural artefacts which we know exist - but are currently missing.
The museum will show the artefacts digitally, as well as giving information about the objects and their cultural significance. It is hoped that the museum will open in 2025, and will be accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The National Trust. This charity restores and maintains heritage sites across the UK while running nature conservation projects. Find out more here.
The Rainforest Foundation. This is a charity with a two pronged approach to supporting rainforests and their inhabitants. They use the law, funds and education to pursue this important cause. Support them here.
Art Fund. This charity promotes the important contributions of the arts to society. Learn more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
