Instead of an editorial
Public archaeology has emerged as a significant field within contemporary archaeological practice and research, focusing on the relationship between archaeology and the wider public. Rather than remaining confined within academic institutions, archaeology increasingly engages with communities, cultural stakeholders, and diverse audiences, fostering dialogue and participation in the interpretation and stewardship of cultural heritage.
In Cyprus, interest in this field, particularly through community engagement initiatives, has been gradually increasing in recent years. Recognising this development, as well as the need to further promote the involvement of non-specialists in archaeological practice and discourse, the Board of Directors of the Association of Cypriot Archaeologists (ACA) initiated the present project. Its aim was to gather reflections and responses from local experts involved in relevant initiatives and to highlight the work of emerging scholars and young professionals across the broader field of archaeology. By doing so, ACA seeks to support and promote their contributions while encouraging further participation in community engagement activities in order to engage and empower local communities through interaction with the island’s archaeological heritage and experiential learning.
The result is this digital repository of short reports, designed to document and disseminate recent initiatives focusing on public engagement in Cypriot archaeology. The repository aims to showcase emerging voices and fresh perspectives on the ways archaeologists connect with broader audiences, whether through community-based projects, educational activities, digital media, museum programmes, or forms of heritage activism. The choice of an online open-access format reflects a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, allowing the work of early-career scholars and professionals to reach not only the Cypriot archaeological community but also a wider local and international audience.
The collection of original reports presented here was collected by invitation, based on the Board’s knowledge of ongoing or recently completed projects in Cypriot archaeology that place public engagement at their core. Together, these five papers represent important contributions to the developing field of public archaeology on the island and reflect the work of recent graduates and early-career archaeologists. They explore different approaches through which Cypriot archaeology engages the public and enhances the dissemination of archaeological knowledge. In doing so, they demonstrate how meaningful interaction between archaeologists and society can contribute to a deeper understanding of, and commitment to the protection of, cultural heritage.
The submitted papers underwent minimal editorial intervention and formatting by ACA’s President, Dr. Maria M. Michael, and Vice-President, Demetra Ignatiou, in order to ensure coherence and consistency across the collection. The visual icon and the layout design for the repository’s online presentation were created by ACA member Phivos Poullos.
ACA welcomes further contributions from its members whose work involves initiatives related to community engagement in Cypriot archaeology. It is anticipated that this repository will continue to expand, serving as a growing platform for collecting and sharing innovative approaches to public archaeology on the island.
Dr Maria M. Michael and Demetra Ignatiou