ICOMOS-USA International Exchange Program

Goal

The International Council on Museums and Sites (ICOMOS USA) International Exchange Program (IEP) supports the development of emerging cultural heritage professionals through structured, hands-on international training and cross-cultural exchange. The program operates as a two-way system of knowledge transfer, connecting early-career professionals with host institutions across borders to strengthen practice in historic preservation and heritage conservation.

The IEP is organized and administered by World Heritage USA. Within this framework, Fondazione Santagata, an Italian foundation and research centre, commissioned by the Direzione Regionale Musei Piemonte (DRM), an institutional branch of the Italian Ministry of Culture, is developing an integrated project focused on enhancing the value and long-term sustainability of the historic gardens and open spaces of the Royal Savoy Residences of Agliè, Racconigi, and Villa della Regina.

The initiative positions historic gardens as active cultural and environmental assets – spaces for community engagement, socio-economic development, and applied experimentation in sustainable development.

It recognises these sites not only as heritage landscapes, but also as living systems capable of generating long-term cultural and social value.

Award

An Impact Grant of $12,500 has been awarded to play a critical role in enabling participation and sustaining international exchange opportunities.

This funding helps reduce financial barriers for emerging professionals who may otherwise be unable to access international training. It supports essential program costs such as travel, placement coordination, and logistical support, ensuring that internships remain accessible and equitable.

Beyond individual participation, the award strengthens the broader exchange ecosystem by helping maintain long-standing relationships between ICOMOS-USA and its global host partners.

Rationale

CORA’s involvement in this initiative builds on a long-standing professional relationship with ICOMOS USA in Washington, DC. This connection reflects deep institutional familiarity with the organization’s mission and impact.

ICOMOS USA is widely recognized for contributing to the development of World Heritage status and global heritage governance, as well as serving as a platform for advancing the careers of professionals in arts, culture and heritage. This historical and professional context reinforces the value of supporting programs that strengthen international heritage collaboration and expertise.

This support also aligns strongly with CORA’s 2026 theme of Cultural Diplomacy. The program directly supports international, multicultural, and cross-cultural collaboration, reinforcing the role of heritage work as a form of diplomacy that builds understanding and cooperation between nations.