Roman Forum. Image via Fodor’s, available at https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/rome/experiences/news/photos/the-10-best-ancient-sites-in-rome.
Our firm is pleased to continue our collaboration with the American Institute for Roman Culture (AIRC) in their Ancient Rome Live Series. Those familiar with the AIRC’s work will remember our firm’s past contributions to the series, which are available here.
For those who are just learning of AIRC and their work, the AIRC is an internationally-acclaimed non-profit founded in 2002 to promote Italian culture. AIRC provides opportunities for education, archeology, and study abroad, with locations in both the U.S. and Italy. AIRC’s founder, Darius A. Arya, is an archeologist, public historian, author, social media influencer, and TV host based in Rome, Italy. In his role as AIRC CEO, Dr. Arya leads lecture series, heritage preservation initiatives, teaches bespoke educational courses, and hosts a highly-rated podcast called Darius Arya Digs.
Colosseum. Image via Fodor’s, available at https://www.fodors.com..
Our firm’s most recent contribution tackles the complicated (and extremely timely) issue of overtourism. Following the opening of international borders, tourists have flocked to cultural heritage hotspots around the globe. The sudden influx of tourism to cultural heritage sites seems to be a symptom of “revenge tourism,” the product of isolating at home during the pandemic. While re-engaging with travel in a thoughtful way no doubt fuels local economies and broadens the mind, thoughtless travel often results in the destruction of priceless pieces of cultural heritage.
Interested? Read the entire article on the Ancient Rome Live Series website, here.
AIRC has been an awarded an NEH grant, an American Express Foundation grant, and a World Monuments Fund (WMF) collaboration. AIRC receives additional funding from anonymous angel investors and individual donors. If you would like to contribute to AIRC and Dr. Arya’s world-class courses and promote opportunities for lifelong learning, you may support the organization here.