On 4 November 1966, the Acqua Granda reached a height of 194 centimetres in Venice, placing the city’s cultural heritage of outstanding universal value at serious risk. In the wake of this devastating flood, an extraordinary international response took shape. It was during these years that the network of International Private Committees for the Safeguarding of Venice began to emerge, establishing a lasting collaboration with public institutions in the care and preservation of the city.

To mark the sixtieth anniversary of the disastrous flood, the Associazione dei Comitati Privati Internazionali per la Salvaguardia di Venezia and the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio per la città metropolitana di Venezia are hosting an important and historic conference.

The day will reflect on six decades of safeguarding efforts while looking ahead to the challenges and priorities facing Venice in 2066. The programme will explore the history of collaboration between 1966 and the present day, consider the emerging needs of cultural heritage protection in the face of climate change, adaptation and new protective measures, and examine the role of communities and public participation in the preservation of World Heritage.

This conference represents an important opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the past sixty years and the continuing role of collaboration between institutions and civil society in safeguarding Venice’s cultural heritage.