Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance

Last few days to apply for the Heritage Accelerator! The 9-month program, a partnership between Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance and OVPM / OWHC / OCPM, will support 5 OWHC members in designing and implementing pilot projects to regenerate habitability in their historic cities. ?? Applications close on March 2 at 11:59pm ET. ?? Learn more about the program, eligibility, and benefits: https://lnkd.in/ePWYwM_R ? Email questions to [email protected]

Progress continues at the Majestic Cinema, with exciting steps in conservation planning and community engagement. Collaborative efforts with international partners and local stakeholders are paving the way for the restoration of this art deco gem designed by Zanzibari architect Dayalji Pitamber Sachania. It has already become a vibrant hub in the spirit of the mission to bring arts and community together under one roof, hosting events showcasing local filmmakers and writers highlighting Zanzibar's storytelling heritage. Read the latest on the Majestic Cinema project here: https://lnkd.in/e4HXRht4 CC: Hifadhi Zanzibar

THRILLED TO SHARE THIS! This has been in the works for a while, and I couldn't be more excited! As someone who deeply believes in?unlocking the immense value of heritage sites and districts?for?sustainable economic and community development, I’m beyond thrilled to introduce the?Urban Heritage Regeneration Accelerator! In partnership with the?OVPM / OWHC / OCPM (Organization of World Heritage Cities), the?Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance (CHiFA)?is launching this bold initiative to help cities?transform their historic places into thriving hubs of investment, innovation, and cultural vitality. For too long, heritage sites—despite their undeniable significance—have remained underfunded, with siloed efforts preventing real momentum.?It’s time to break down those barriers.?The?Heritage Accelerator?will equip urban heritage leaders with the?strategies, partnerships, and financial tools?to fast-track projects that drive long-term, sustainable regeneration. Five World Heritage cities will be selected?to pilot this groundbreaking initiative, shaping a shared vision for heritage-led urban transformation. This work is a cornerstone of the?OWHC’s Cordoba Path?and will play a pivotal role in shaping the?New Urban Project, to be presented in?Marrakesh in 2026. If you’re passionate about?reimagining historic cities as engines of growth, creativity, and resilience,?this is your moment!?Applications are now open—let’s bring bold ideas to life! Apply here:?https://lnkd.in/eKuyxfxU . . #Innovation #Impact #HeritageAccelerator #UrbanRegeneration #CulturalHeritage #SustainableCities #WorldHeritage #Transformation #ImpactInvestment

???????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???????????????? ????????????????????????! The Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) is proud to announce its partnership with the Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance (CHiFA) to launch the Urban Heritage Regeneration Accelerator! CHIFA is dedicated to fostering heritage-led regeneration by creating innovative and collaborative financing solutions. By connecting capital investment with historic places, CHiFA helps transform heritage sites into sustainable and economically viable assets, ensuring their long-term preservation and impact. ?????? ???????? ????????????????????? In response to the climate, economic, and social challenges that threaten our historic centers, we must rethink financing strategies and urban revitalization. This Accelerator will support 5 World Heritage cities through an intensive 9-month program, enabling them to: ? Develop strategic and actionable plans to maximize their cultural assets. ? Attract sustainable investments and promote balanced urban growth. ? Rapidly implement innovative regeneration pilot projects that blend preservation with modern development. ? Foster collaboration among public, private, and non-profit sectors. ?? Tentative Accelerator start date: June 2, 2025 ?? Applications open until March 3, 2025 The Accelerator is a key initiative of the New Urban Project, an OWHC-driven effort to promote a bold and integrated vision of heritage as a driver of sustainable development. ? #OWHC # #WorldHeritageCities #CHiFA #NewUrbanProject #HeritageAccelerator

Announcing the Urban Heritage Regeneration Accelerator: A Framework for Investment in Heritage-Led Regeneration In partnership with the OVPM / OWHC / OCPM, the new Heritage Accelerator initiative will help World Heritage cities unlock investment, build cross-sector partnerships, and drive urban regeneration by leveraging heritage sites and historic districts. Through a competitive application process closing on March 2, five OWHC member cities will be selected for a 9-month program to develop sustainable, heritage-led strategies and pilot projects. The Accelerator is part of OWHC’s Cordoba Path, shaping the New Urban Project for the 2026 World Congress in Marrakesh. ?? Learn more about the program and application process: https://lnkd.in/ePWYwM_R ?? Read the full announcement and sign up for CHiFA's mailing list: https://conta.cc/4gowWfX #CHiFAinAction #UrbanRegeneration #CulturalHeritage #SustainableCities

In 2024, CHiFA marked its 5th anniversary by making significant strides in heritage-led regeneration, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening communities through cultural heritage worldwide. From advancing restoration projects in Mexico, Rhodes, Tunis, and Zanzibar, to empowering local partners, our work continues to showcase the power of heritage as a driver in sustainable development. Beyond on-the-ground projects, CHiFA continued to contribute to global conversations on heritage and sustainability, sharing insights at?ChangeNOW?in Paris,?OVPM / OWHC / OCPM?World Congress in Córdoba,?International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Philippines,?ICCROM?International Training Course on Climate Action for Sustainable Built Heritage, among others. As we step into 2025, new opportunities are on the horizon. Stay connected as we prepare to launch an exciting new initiative in the year ahead! Read more in our end of year update:?https://conta.cc/3CUO3b3 #HeritageFinance?#CulturalHeritage?#SustainableDevelopment?#CHiFAinAction

Two years ago, we witnessed a milestone: the unveiling of the World Heritage Site plaque in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, recognizing it as an "originary habitat of Mesoamerica." The marker honors the region's notable cultural and natural heritage. Discover how the local community celebrated this year's anniversary and CHiFA's ongoing efforts in the region: https://lnkd.in/e6NDgj-i

At the 17th Annual Organization of World Heritage Cities World Congress, CHiFA Co-founders Bonnie Burnham and Gary Hattem drew on lessons from the 1970s New York City fiscal crisis and CHiFA’s own case study research to highlight enduring strategies for sustainable #culturalheritage development and financing solutions. ?? Partnerships for Sustainable Heritage Development: They emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, NGOs, philanthropy, and private investors to drive sustainable urban regeneration. They shared how public and philanthropic funds can serve as catalysts for attracting private capital. ?? Innovative Financing Tools for Heritage Preservation: Hattem discussed tools like subsidies, guarantees, and blended financing models to mitigate risk, while Burnham highlighted catalytic capital and CHiFA’s Heritage Accelerator as key to fast-tracking heritage-led regeneration with social, environmental, and financial impact. ?? Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Urban Habitability: They emphasized that heritage preservation fosters thriving, livable cities. They shared heritage-led regeneration case studies showcasing economic development and urban resilience. Read the full remarks here: https://lnkd.in/eYN3Ap5e Read CHiFA’s published case studies here: https://lnkd.in/g4DbpcnH

Tune in tonight at 9pm EST. See the post for details ?

Reposting a blog from our partner La Mano del Mono: Read about the recent trip to Mexico for the #RutadelRioGrande Heritage Regeneration Project! Partners met with each other and community members to explore heritage sites along the route and develop a work plan that includes training and technical support, aiming to develop a heritage trail that respects both the environment and local traditions. As part of the project, LMDM is implementing a Market Ready Tourism model that empowers community governance of #culturalheritage and #tourism. As the blog notes, 'Market Ready Tourism is laying the foundation for tourism that respects and regenerates, creating an authentic connection between visitors and the guardians of this priceless biocultural treasure.' Stay tuned for more updates on community engagement and next steps! #CHiFAinAction #RutaDelRioGrande