AusHeritage, Australia’s International Heritage Industry Network, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cultural heritage cooperation with the China University of Technology (CUTe), Taiwan. The MOU was signed by the Vice President of CUTe Mr. Wei-ping Chang and the Deputy Chairman of AusHeritage Mr Ian Cook at the university’s campus in Taipei City, Taiwan on September 26, 2012.

“AusHeritage is delighted with its close working relationship with the China University of Technology and this memorandum of understanding will further the reach of both organisations’ in achieving their objectives in the fields of cultural heritage conservation research, education and services” said Mr Vinod Daniel, Chair of AusHeritage.

He added that he was delighted that the recent AusHeritage mission to Taiwan was very successful in working with local communities, professionals and government agencies on the conservation and adaptation of the unique and historically significant Kinmen Island villages and other sites.

There are also concrete plans to work closely with the National Palace Museum in Taipei to share ideas and technical information on collections conservation issues.

“We are very pleased to be able to confirm our ongoing involvement with AusHeritage in sharing cultural heritage conservation technologies and exchange of ideas and experiences and practices. This MoU establishes important links between like minded conservation professionals in Taiwan and Australia” said Ms Josephine Shang-Kuan Su Chair of the Board of CUTe, and Mr Chia-hung Ku Ph.D. President of CUTe.

The workshops are supported by the Australian Government through the Australia China Council (ACC) of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The 4 experts from Australia were Mr Ian Cook, Ms Mary Knaggs, Mr Peter Romey and Mr Geoffrey Bailey. “Each person provided a very complementary set of heritage skills and experiences from both private and public organisations in Australia. They include cultural mapping, heritage site management and sustainability, urban conservation, built heritage restoration and adaptation and heritage interpretation” said Mr Bruce Pettman who coordinated the project from Australia in association with Professor Alex Yen Head of the Historical Theory and Heritage Conservation Research Centre within the Department of Architecture at CUTe. Professor Yen expressed his appreciation for the AusHeritage team’s commitment and interest in the Kinmen Island heritage issues, their in-depth participation in the workshops and the opportunity for it to occur through the ACC’s grant scheme. “All of the local participants enjoyed and learnt much from this important exchange” he said.

AusHeritage (www.ausheritage.org.au) is Australia’s international network for cultural heritage. The organisation’s members include Australian universities, national collecting institutions, State galleries, libraries and museums, private architectural firms and private and government conservation services.