Call for Articles:
Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property – Examples from the Heritage Sector
The AURORA Publication invites contributions for its upcoming volume, Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property – Examples from the Heritage Sector.
This initiative seeks to spotlight the frameworks, challenges, and innovative solutions used by heritage organizations to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
By gathering insights from museums, archaeological sites, conservation institutes, and related organizations, the publication aims to enhance knowledge-sharing and collaboration in protecting cultural heritage.
Our objectives are to examine the methods, tools, and partnerships utilized by heritage institutions to fight illicit trafficking and illegal excavations.
We also aim to showcase successful case studies of repatriation, explore legislative frameworks, and highlight how technology can transform efforts in cultural property protection.
By sharing these stories, we aim to inspire further action and innovation in the global fight against this pressing issue.
Understanding the Issue and Its Importance
Illicit trafficking of cultural property poses a severe threat to the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide. It robs nations of their historical identity, deprives communities of their shared history, and fuels illegal networks that often operate across borders.
Museums, archaeological sites, and conservation organizations are on the frontlines of this struggle, but they face numerous challenges, including limited resources, weak legal frameworks, and the complexity of international cooperation.
Despite these obstacles, inspiring examples exist of how heritage organizations are addressing the problem. From leveraging cutting-edge technologies like digital documentation and AI to tracking stolen artifacts, to forging collaborative networks across nations and sectors, the heritage sector demonstrates that the fight against trafficking is not only possible but also winnable.
By highlighting these efforts, this publication seeks to raise awareness, inspire best practices, and contribute to a stronger, more unified approach to cultural property protection.
Key Dates and Submission Process
We invite authors from heritage organizations to contribute to this open-access electronic publication. Articles are unpaid and can be submitted via direct invitation or the open call.
- 15 December 2024: Open call for article submissions
- 15 February 2025: Deadline for first draft submissions
- February–April 2025: Article revisions
15 May 2025: Final article submission deadline - 15 June 2025: Proofreading and design completed
- 1 July 2025: Publication release
To submit your proposal, please complete the submission form by 1 February 2025
Meet the Editorial Board
Dr. Lujza Varga
With over 14 years of experience, Dr. Varga specializes in cultural heritage management and international collaboration. She leads the department for international cooperation at the Hungarian National Museum and is a member of the OSCE-led Heritage Crime Task Force. Her expertise spans cultural property protection, disaster risk management, and post-conflict heritage recovery.
Jove Pargovski, MSc
An expert in digitization and documentation, Jove works at the National Institution Institute and Museum Bitola in North Macedonia. His projects focus on leveraging technology to enhance public access and inclusivity in museums. Jove is a published author and active member of regional heritage networks, contributing to the preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage across the Balkans.
Instructions for Article Submission
We are excited to invite you to contribute to our forthcoming publication. Below are detailed instructions to ensure your article meets our formatting and content guidelines.
1. Language and Format
All articles must be written in English.
Use MS Word with the following format: 2.5 cm margins, 12 pt Arial font, 1.5 line spacing.
2. Article Length and Structure
Your article should be 4 to 7 pages long, typed in A4 format.
Structure your article to include the following sections, in order: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Theoretical Elaboration, Goals and Methods, Interpretation of Results, Conclusions/Recommendations, and References. Use subheadings as needed, but ensure they follow the prescribed order.
3. Detailed Formatting Guidelines
Title: Bold, 12 pt Arial, centered.
Abstract: Italic, 10 pt Arial, single spaced. Should be 200-250 words, summarizing the article’s purpose, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. Follow the abstract with 4 to 8 key terms that are not in the title.
Main Content: Describe your topic and practices in detail, aiming for clarity and applicability in different contexts. Use respectful and person-first language when referring to individuals with disabilities.
Tables and Photos: Number and title each one, placing the title below the table/photo.
Literature: List references in alphabetical order, following APA style.
4. Citing Sources
Mention an author’s work in the text with the author’s last name and publication year in parentheses. If citing a specific part, include the page number.
For works with more than three authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” and the year. Quotes from texts should be in quotation marks with page numbers for easy source tracing.
5. Reference List Formatting
Single to Three Authors: Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Title: Subtitle. Publisher Location: Publisher.
Four or More Authors: Last Name, Initial(s) et al. (Year). Title: Subtitle. Publisher Location: Publisher.
Chapter in Edited Book: Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Chapter Title: Subtitle. In Editor Initial(s) Last Name (Ed.), Book Title: Subtitle (pp. xx-xx). Publisher Location: Publisher.
Journal Articles: Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Article Title: Subtitle. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pp. xx-xx.
Online Sources: Last Name, Initial(s). (Year). Title: Subtitle. Journal Name, Volume (Issue). URL or Database Name (accessed Date).
We look forward to your valuable contributions. By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure your work aligns with our publication standards, allowing for a smooth and efficient editorial process.
The activities are the part of AURORA (Artwork Unique RecognitiOn and tRacking through chemicAl encoded data, miniaturized devices and blockchain alliance) project that is being funded by the European Union Horizon Europe program.
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