The NeDiPa: Negotiating Difficult Pasts project focused on twelve neglected sites of Jewish heritage in Poland, where Jewish, Polish, and German histories and legacies intersect – places that bear witness to the complex and painful experiences of the 20th century. The destruction of Jewish communities in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe left behind a difficult heritage – sites where the processes of commemoration and revitalisation often encounter resistance or blockage due to strong taboos.
In response to these challenges, the project developed the Difficult Heritage Remembrance Framework, grounded in the principles of inclusivity, a balanced approach, and epistemic justice. Over the two years of the project, more than thirty onsite and online events were organised – from commemorations, conferences, and community-building meetings to public events and educational trainings. They brought together residents, NGOs, researchers, local governments, policymakers, teachers, architects, artists, and activists, creating space for dialogue and cooperation.
As a result of NeDiPa’s work, a set of tools, good practices, and guidelines was created to support collaboration between diverse groups and to propose a new approach to memory and commemoration, relevant to the challenges of the 21st century. These include the Difficult Heritage Remembrance Toolbox and Guidelines, which feature definitions of key concepts, educational materials, and practical tools for activists, professionals, teachers, and decision-makers, as well as the Multimedia Library with audiovisual resources based on NeDiPa’s online training sessions. Although the Framework was developed in the context of Central and Eastern Europe, it is universal in scope and can serve as an inspiration for other countries dealing with the issues of difficult heritage.
The project had a significant impact on local cultures of memory throughout Poland. Twelve commemorative events were held, introducing and popularising new forms of action, such as green commemorations and artistic interventions as acts of memory. Over two years, 209 activists and volunteers became involved in caring for Jewish heritage sites, building a network of grassroots initiatives and integrating them into mainstream commemoration practices.
Thanks to NeDiPa, the cooperation between three Polish partners – the Zapomniane Foundation, FestivALT, and the Urban Memory Foundation – evolved into the broader European Engaged Memory Consortium, which continues its work within new projects and partnerships. The project helped shift attitudes among both Jewish and non-Jewish organisations in Poland, fostering the creation of coalitions, networks, and a more open, inclusive culture of remembrance.
The NeDiPa project was funded by the European Union (CERV programme).
