ECRspeak: Early Voices
Following the blog's introduction in the Currents post, ACHS’s Early Careers Researchers Network coordinating team is pleased to announce the launch of a new digital space dedicated to critical heritage discussions among early career researchers- ECRspeak: Early Voices.
The idea for this blog came from realizing that there is still a limited number of arenas where early career researchers can frequently express themselves and respond to emerging, urgent, and critical issues in heritage. While academic journals such as the International Journal of Heritage Studies are important sites for such engagement, the rigorousness may be too intimidating for some ECRs, such as practitioners and early graduate students. The timeframe for the publication cycle may not be that suitable as a site to engage with more pressing issues of contemporary times; ECRspeak offers a friendly alternative, the possibility of igniting discussion through short conversations and pieces in the blog.
Firstly, this blog aims to provide a democratized space for contributions on heritage issues that go beyond the typical academic-speak to reach non-academic audiences. Secondly, we want to extend ECRspeak: Early Voices by connecting with other early career groups interested in critical heritage studies worldwide. Thirdly, in parallel with the Currents, we plan to invite contributions from our members on projects/initiatives/proceedings/exhibitions they are involved in to spark their critical reflection and spotlight their roles in the field. Lastly, the blog will help advance the conversation about urgent topics, problems, ideas, and exchanges within the heritage field and practices, a repertoire that is expanded daily.
*HOW TO CONTRIBUTE*
We are flexible with the format and style of the content in our blog. We welcome ECRs who wish to write about their new or ongoing research/publication/practices in heritage for a non-expert audience (aka, 'democratized writing’) to increase the accessibility of knowledge and will be glad to broaden our audience beyond areas traditionally associated with heritage studies. We plan to maintain our blog by posting content on a rolling basis and as frequently as possible. Every submission will be reviewed by the editors and at least one other ECR peer familiar with the subject before approval and publication. You will be able to learn about any updates by subscribing to our mailing list. If you would like to share something with your peers,
Please email your contribution of not more than 800 words to: ecr@criticalheritagestudies.org with “ECRspeak Contribution” in the subject line.
ACHS Early Careers ecr@criticalheritagestudies.org
In Borris, a small village in southeast Ireland, a rich tradition of lacemaking continues not as a relic of the past, but as a living, evolving practice sustained through weekly workshops and community care. Known as Borris Lace, this heritage craft originated in the 1840s as a response to the profound social and economic upheaval of the Great Famine. Today, the ongoing practice of Borris Lace shows how knowledge, labour, and memory endure and adapt through hands-on engagement.
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