Co-Creation, the Public, and the Archaeological Record

[Marc Berger]

One of the problems in this country is that a lot of "archaeology" grants will not fund individual archaeologists. The only way that archaeologist can get funding is by creating projects that get the community involved which is mostly how all public money "works". I think that all this co-creation is American archaeologists kicking this problem around. The Americans have principles of level playing fields that we can only dream about. Unfortunately it seems to involve the right to bare arms which is a principle that I will never understand. For a start when they wrote that right, the arms in question were smooth bore breach muskets which at best kept the Indians with bow and arrows the other side of a stockade.

[barkingdigger]

Indeed - community involvement has been the flavour of the last decade.

But the Constitution was victim of a typo - Jefferson really meant to write "the right to arm bears..."

[Jack]

Indeed - community involvement has been the flavour of the last decade.

But the Constitution was victim of a typo - Jefferson really meant to write "the right to arm bears..."

Grin, or was it the right to roll up your sleeves}

[BAJR]

Thanks for the comments...

and yes I think the issues can be farting about with carefully worded co-curation and co production within a disadvantaged staeholder community., looking at an arts based way to realise our potential to invoke heritage heroics and ..........blah

As Marc said.. I would quite like to see funded archaeologists... however, I am doing a cunning thing soon. setting up a local group of people who can be trained, and set out to support local societies community groups etc to either set up their own projects. or help in a project with expertise or help create opportunities for projects. Training... Skills and Fun!

co...curate that

[kevin wooldridge]

I would quite like to see funded archaeologists... however, I am doing a cunning thing soon. setting up a local group of people who can be trained, and set out to support local societies community groups etc to either set up their own projects. or help in a project with expertise or help create opportunities for projects. Training... Skills and Fun!

That sounds a fine idea David and I won't press you on the finer details...but in general principle would you see the 'support team' as being paid, expenses only or entirely voluntary? I think all three alternatives have some merits although I am conscious that all could be opposed by elements of our profession for a multitude of reasons. I think especially for those of us in twilight of our careers with lots of experience to pass on, your idea could be a great initiative.....

[Marc Berger]

"twilight of our careers" are we talking topping up the early retirement plan or working until you drop.

[Boxoffrogs]

Ummm...I am just about to step into the big USA on a permanent basis...Does this mean I may have a chance at becoming a valid archaeologist in the deep south?