According to Joshua David, President of the World Monuments Fund, the award was given in recognition of the SNF’s “accomplishments in the field of cultural preservation”. This work includes the restoration and conservation of many of Greece’s ancient and iconic structures, the protection of newer landmark buildings, and the maintenance of religious sanctuaries around the world.
The award was received by Mr. Andreas C. Dracopoulos, SNF co-President. During his speech Mr. Dracopoulos noted among others, “The destruction of [heritage sites such as Palmyra and the Buddhas of Bamiyan statues] is an attempt to erase memory, to undermine what defines us as human beings, and in doing so it has instigated a reaction and an outrage that emphasized more than ever the importance of preserving our heritage and shared past, the importance of artifacts and the need to continue supporting, more than ever before, since the challenges are greater, the work of the World Monuments Fund.”
The World Monuments Fund is the leading independent organization dedicated to saving the world’s most treasured places. Founded in 1965, it is dedicated to the preservation of culturally and historically significant architecture and sites around the world. WMF acts as a catalyst, identifying sites in need of preservation and working, in cooperation with local communities and preservation authorities, to secure international sponsorship for necessary intervention.
For more information about the 2016 Hadrian Award, click here.
