In her presentation, Aleksandra (Ola) Janus will explore innovative strategies for commemorating Holocaust sites, focusing on integrating green spaces and ecological sustainability. Addressing the challenge of caring for forgotten graves of Holocaust victims in Polish cities and villages, the non-profit “Zapomniane” (meaning “forgotten”) plays a key role in rediscovering and respectfully commemorating these sites in collaboration with local communities. Janus’ approach emphasizes environmental sustainability through the use of local materials and technology, artistic and architectural quality, and a strong scientific foundation. This new method of remembrance advocates for community-based processes that incorporate diverse voices and stakeholders, blending cultural and artistic mediation into both urban and rural landscapes. rural environments that include various stakeholders and a variety of voices into the process.

Aleksandra (Ola) Janus, with a PhD in Anthropology from Jagiellonian University, is a dynamic figure at the convergence of academia, art, and activism. As President of the Zapomniane Foundation, she focuses on commemorating forgotten Holocaust burial sites in Poland and co-founded the Engaged Memory Consortium to promote remembrance with a focus on social justice. She has also co-curated educational and critical programs like ‘Exercising modernity’ and ‘Museum Lab’, and advocates for environmental awareness in heritage institutions through initiatives like Museums for the Climate and Culture for Climate. In addition to her practical work, Ola is an active academic, lecturing at SWPS University and collaborating with the Research Center for Memory Cultures and the “Thinking Through The Museum” global network.