Amra Ćebić, Joining capacities to combat illegal art trafficking

At this workshop will be presented the aims, mission and activities of „Center against trafficking in works of art“ (CPKU) from Bosnia and Herzegovina and it’s role in fighting against illegal art trafficking. CPKU is a non-governmental organisation focused on preventing illegal art trafficking and building capacities to strengthen the national networks working on protecting and monitoring cultural heritage and works of art. Some of the conducted activities are: forming the first database of missing artworks, organising education and conferences for museum and security professionals, activating Crimestopper phone number for anonymous reports, printing publications, and insisting on law amendments. The relation between CPKU with museums and galleries plays a key role in communication and networking, in order to contribute this fight and to impact the systematic solutions for improving the conditions, safety measures, restitutution and repatriation of cultural goods. The workshop is created to simulate activities related to cases of missing artworks where participants will experience active involvement in the process of fighting illegal excavations, artwork smuggling and trafficking, as well as investigating the cases. CPKU detected 4 significant groups of stakeholdes that could help disrupt illegal activities: civilians, NGOs, judiciary/police and museums.  The participants will be divided in 4 groups, representing the stakeholders and will think together toward common resolution. They will receive specific assignments and be able to compare the presented cases of CPKU with their own experience or to develop new solutions. The aim of the workshop is to create an environment and framework where each group will develop a methodology how to solve a problem and offer us new or different model to fight against this type of crime. Brainstorming, sharing ideas and experiences, giving real examples and reaching consensus should allow museum and heritage professionals to identify key problems, common mistakes, shortcoming, but also possible solutions and best practices that can be developed.