American Research Center Egypt
Communicating Cultural Preservation: A Case Study on ARCE
Year
2024
Client
ARCE
This case study explores my approach to digital communications for the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE), focusing on key projects. By leveraging storytelling, community engagement, and multimedia strategies, I aim to highlight how effective communication can enhance public understanding and foster participation in cultural preservation efforts.
Included in this portfolio are mock social media posts and media strategies that demonstrate my approach to expanding ARCE’s reach. These posts will highlight the significance of these conservation projects and showcase ARCE's ongoing fieldwork to a global audience. Through a combination of compelling narratives and strategic use of platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, I would work to ensure that ARCE’s mission of safeguarding Egypt’s heritage and fostering international collaboration is communicated effectively.
Note on Image Use
All images used in this portfolio are sourced from the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) and are intended solely for the private use of my job application. Once the application process concludes, I will remove this portfolio from all public domains.
Terms of Use
The copyright to the Theban Mapping Project (TMP) materials, including artwork, text, images, audio, and video files, is owned by ARCE. The use of TMP materials is limited to fair use for private information, research, or study. Any commercial or public use requires advance written approval from ARCE.
For more details on ARCE's Terms of Use, please visit their website. https://thebanmappingproject.com/contact
Instagram Post 1: Conservation of the Tomb of Amenhotep II
Caption: "ARCE’s restoration work at the Tomb of Amenhotep II is bringing ancient Egyptian history back to life. The tomb’s stunning murals offer a window into the spiritual beliefs and artistic mastery of Egypt’s New Kingdom, and ARCE’s conservation efforts are ensuring that future generations can appreciate this incredible heritage. After flooding led to its closure in 1994, ARCE has worked diligently to protect and restore this remarkable tomb. Our efforts include installing protective glass panels and wooden flooring to preserve its stunning murals.
#TombOfAmenhotepII #ARCE #CulturalHeritage #AncientEgypt #ThebanMappingProject”
Instagram Post 4: Project: The Red Monastery Conservation
Caption: “Once shrouded in darkness, the stunning wall paintings of the Red Monastery in Sohag have been revived through ARCE's dedicated conservation efforts. Since 2003, we’ve tackled complex challenges to restore this 5th-century Coptic treasure, ensuring its vibrant frescoes and structural integrity are preserved for future generations.
Our team has carefully restored the interior, replaced uneven flooring, and enhanced lighting to reveal the colorful artistry of this early Christian sanctuary. Join us in celebrating this remarkable piece of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage!
#RedMonastery #CopticHeritage #CulturalPreservation #ARCEProjects”
Instagram Post 7: Mapping Egypt’s History
Caption: “ARCE’s Egyptian Heritage Mapping Project is more than just documenting monuments—it’s about understanding the intricate connections between Egypt’s cultural and natural landscapes. We’re excited to announce the launch of the Valley of the Queens and the Western Wadis on the Theban Mapping Project website this March 2023!
As ta-set-neferu, the “Place of Beauty,” the Valley of the Queens is home to stunning tombs, including Nefertari’s beautifully preserved resting place. The Western Wadis, a precursor to this valley, holds the tombs of notable queens and royal family members. Our fieldwork captures the richness of Egypt’s past while contributing to modern conservation efforts. Learn how mapping is helping us protect invaluable sites.
#HeritageMapping #CulturalPreservation #EgyptianHistory”
Instagram Post 2: Preservation of the Temple of Isis
Caption: "Nestled where lush farmland meets desert, this early Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Isis has been revitalized through ARCE’s conservation efforts. Constructed in the 1st century CE, it features vibrant wall reliefs of Roman emperors honoring Egyptian deities.
After years of neglect, our restoration project cleaned, conserved, and updated the site with visitor facilities, showcasing its cultural significance. Join us in celebrating this blend of Roman and Egyptian heritage!
#IsisTemple #DeirElShelwit #CulturalHeritage #ARCEConservation”
Instagram Post 5: Project: Quseir Fort Restoration
Caption: “Located on the Red Sea coast, Quseir Fort has been a key player in Egypt’s maritime history since the 16th century. Once a thriving military harbor, this Ottoman fort faced years of abandonment until a transformative restoration project by ARCE and USAID from 1996 to 2005 revived its glory. Today, visitors can explore artifacts and learn about its rich past, from trade routes to military campaigns.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable heritage site!
#QuseirFort #OttomanHeritage #ARCEConservation #CulturalPreservation”
Instagram Post 8: Antiquities Endowment Fund Success Story
Caption: "A Legacy of Preservation: Through the Antiquities Endowment Fund, ARCE has supported over 100 conservation and documentation projects, ensuring that Egypt’s ancient treasures remain accessible to all. One of our standout initiatives is the Osiris-Ptah Neb-ankh Research Project at Karnak Temple, directed by Dr. Essam Nagy.
This 25th Dynasty chapel, dedicated to the ‘Lord of Life,’ underwent vital restoration efforts, including the consolidation of its sandstone structure and the preservation of intricate wall paintings. Our team also conducted excavations to uncover significant artifacts that enrich our understanding of ancient Egyptian society.
Additionally, we are dedicated to training the next generation of archaeologists from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, ensuring the continued protection of Egypt’s cultural heritage. Stay tuned for more updates on our impactful work!
#CulturalHeritage #KarnakTemple #AntiquitiesPreservation #Egyptology #OsirisPtahNebankh”
Instagram Post 3: Project: Preservation of the Luxor Temple Pylons
Caption: “Restoring the Pylons of Luxor Temple: Luxor Temple, a jewel of the New Kingdom era, is home to monumental pylons adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. ARCE’s conservation project is focusing on stabilizing the pylons and protecting them from environmental wear. Through careful restoration techniques, we’re making sure that these towering gateways remain standing strong.
#LuxorTemple #CulturalPreservation #ARCEFieldwork #AncientMonuments"
Instagram Post 6: Lecture: Constructing the Sacred: Exploring the Ritual Landscape of Saqqara in 3D
Caption: “Our upcoming virtual lecture, presented by Dr. Elaine Sullivan, Associate Professor in the Department of History at UC Santa Cruz, explores the Ancient Egyptian necropolis of Saqqara through a 3D reconstruction, revealing how royal and elite Egyptians created a monumental landscape to ensure their eternal life and power.
The lecture takes place on October 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM PDT! To register, click the link in the bio!
#ARCE #Egyptology #Saqqara #CulturalPreservation”
Instagram Post 9: Join the Founding Friends of Cairo House!
Caption: As the American Research Center in Egypt (ARCE) enters its 75th year, we’re excited to announce our new headquarters, Cairo House, in Garden City, Cairo! This initiative strengthens our commitment to preserving Egyptian cultural heritage and fostering a global community.
By becoming a Friend of Cairo House with a gift of $2,500 or more, you will directly support:
State-of-the-art research spaces for our library and archives
A digital humanities lab for training the next generation of scholars
Safe working spaces for visiting researchers and professionals
Benefits include:
Your name on the Founding Friends plaque
Exclusive event invitations
Virtual updates from our staff on the ground
Help us build a vibrant living and learning community! For more information, contact Rebekah Atol at ratol@arce.org.
Together, let’s create a brighter future for Egyptian cultural heritage!
#CairoHouse #ARCE #CulturalHeritage #Egyptology #SupportTheArts"
Twitter (X) Post 1: Mark your calendars! The ARCE 2025 Annual Meeting will take place in San Fransisco, April 25-27. Join us for engaging discussions, research presentations, and networking opportunities in the field of Egyptology. Please email AMhelp@arce.org for any questions pertaining to the ARCE Annual Meeting #ARCEMeeting2024 #Egyptology #CulturalHeritage #AcademicResearch
LinkedIn Post 1: "Fellowship Opportunity: ARCE Pre-Dissertation Travel Grant
ARCE is pleased to announce the Pre-Dissertation Travel Grant, offering PhD students the chance to conduct exploratory research in Egypt. This grant provides up to $2,400 to cover travel and living expenses for students preparing to embark on their dissertation projects.
The Pre-Dissertation Travel Grant allows emerging scholars to visit key archaeological sites, museums, and archives, helping them refine their research questions and build a strong foundation for their future work. Applications are open now—don’t miss this incredible opportunity to advance your studies in Egyptology and Egyptian heritage!
Learn more and apply here https://orcfellowships.smapply.org
Facebook Post 1: "Celebrating the Conservation of the Red Monastery in Sohag!
ARCE is proud to celebrate the completion of the conservation of the Red Monastery in Sohag. This stunning early Christian site, with its magnificent painted interiors, stands as a testament to Egypt’s rich Coptic heritage. Through years of meticulous conservation work, our experts have revived the monastery’s vibrant frescoes, revealing intricate details that date back to the 6th century.
We are deeply grateful to our local and international partners who made this project possible. The Red Monastery now serves as a vivid reminder of Egypt’s diverse historical narrative and offers future generations a glimpse into its Christian past.
Stay tuned for a virtual tour and more updates on how this project is preserving Egypt’s religious heritage!”
1. Highlight ARCE’s Mission and Achievements
Showcase Preservation Efforts: Central to my messaging will be ARCE’s key projects, such as the preservation of historical sites like the Khonsu Temple and the Theban Mapping Project. I will focus on how ARCE’s work safeguards Egypt’s history and enhances the understanding of its rich cultural heritage.
Celebrate International Collaboration: I will emphasize ARCE's initiatives through cross-cultural projects and partnerships, particularly those supported by the Antiquities Endowment Fund, positioning ARCE as a leader in global archaeological efforts.
Use Storytelling: I will utilize narratives about the significance of conservation projects and fieldwork, framing ARCE’s projects as journeys of discovery and cultural preservation.
2. Engage with Diverse Audiences
Scholars and Experts: I will develop detailed content that discusses research methodologies, artifacts, and the scholarly contributions ARCE makes through journals like the Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt (JARCE), highlighting how these studies advance the global understanding of Egyptology.
General Public: I will simplify complex research findings for non-expert audiences, using engaging visuals (e.g., excavation photos) and clear, captivating narratives to make ancient history relevant today.
Local Egyptian Communities: I will stress the impact of ARCE’s work on local communities in Egypt, including education initiatives and employment opportunities within preservation projects.
3. Multimedia and Digital Engagement
Social Media: I will use visual storytelling to capture attention on platforms like Instagram, showcasing the beauty and significance of ARCE’s projects with high-quality images and videos. A balance will be created between current projects and untold stories of past discoveries that retain cultural relevance.
Educational Campaigns: I will develop digital content series that explain ancient Egyptian history and ARCE’s role in preserving it, such as:
“Artifacts Uncovered”: Highlighting significant artifacts.
“Site by Site”: A virtual tour of ARCE’s archaeological projects.
“Conservation Heroes”: Featuring ARCE’s fieldwork team and their daily contributions.
4. Support the IDEA Values (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility)
Inclusive Messaging: My communications will reflect ARCE’s IDEA commitments by ensuring materials are multilingual, culturally sensitive, and accessible to a wide audience, including both academic and non-academic followers.
Educational Accessibility: I will ensure research findings are available in Arabic, English, and other languages to echo ARCE’s journal approach.
5. Amplify ARCE’s Journal and Research
Promote JARCE: I will make the Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt a central pillar in communications, using case studies to highlight research breakthroughs and the journal's unique multilingual reach.
Drive Digital Engagement with Scholars: I will feature significant journal articles on digital platforms and create summaries or infographics to engage the scholarly community and drive traffic to ARCE’s academic work.
6. Foster Cross-Cultural Connections
Global Cultural Exchange: I will highlight ARCE’s role in bridging Egypt’s ancient history with international scholars and organizations, promoting events, lectures, and exhibitions for global appreciation of Egypt's heritage.
Fieldwork Updates: I will share ongoing updates about ARCE’s fieldwork projects, showcasing cooperative efforts that contribute to Egypt’s cultural preservation and global academic discourse.
7. Measure and Improve Engagement
Analytics-Driven Campaigns: I will track the success of communication strategies through engagement metrics such as social media impressions, website traffic, and article downloads. Regular evaluations will fine-tune messaging based on audience feedback and engagement data.