The following calls may interest organisations working in heritage interpretation, museums, and cultural heritage. Please always check the original links for full, up-to-date details and how to apply. 

A good place to start is the overview of open calls maintained by the European Commission:
https://culture.ec.europa.eu/funding/calls

European Cooperation Projects (Creative Europe)

Under the Creative Europe Programme, the European Cooperation Projects call supports cross-border cultural collaboration.
Deadline: 5 May 2026
https://culture.ec.europa.eu/news/2026-creative-europe-call-for-european-cooperation-projects-open
Projects may focus on:

• transnational cooperation between cultural organisations
• innovative cultural practices
• audience development and participation
• sustainability and inclusion in cultural work

Projects must involve multiple partners from different European countries, making them well suited for networks of heritage sites, museums, and interpretation organisations.

Creative Innovation Lab

Also part of Creative Europe’s cross-sectoral strand, this call supports experimentation and innovation across cultural sectors.
Deadline: 23 April 2026
https://creativeeurope.in.ua/en/call/crea_cross_2026_innovlab
Topics include:

• digital tools and new cultural business models
• AI and immersive technologies
• cross-sector collaboration (e.g. heritage, audiovisual, gaming.

This may be relevant for projects exploring digital interpretation means, virtual exhibitions, and similar

Research and Innovation Projects (Horizon Europe)

The EU research programme Horizon Europe regularly publishes calls under Cluster 2: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society.
These calls often support research and pilot projects on themes such as:

• participatory heritage and cultural engagement
• digital transformation of heritage
• social inclusion through culture
  
  https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en

Cultural initiatives linked to the New European Bauhaus

Projects combining culture, sustainability, and community engagement may also find opportunities linked to the New European Bauhaus. https://new-european-bauhaus.europa.eu

Tip: Many EU programmes require international partnerships, so organisations considering applying should start exploring potential partners and project ideas well ahead of the deadlines.
EU funding opportunities for the natural heritage sector

LIFE Programme

The LIFE Programme is the EU’s main funding instrument for nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and environmental action. It supports projects implemented by NGOs, public authorities, universities, and other organisations.
Typical projects range from €1–5 million and run for 3–5 years.

2026 Calls
Expected publication: 21 April 2026
LIFE Info Days: 28–30 April 2026
https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life-calls-proposals-2026_en
Key sub-programmes include:

• Nature and Biodiversity – habitat restoration, species protection, Natura 2000 management
• Circular Economy and Quality of Life – pollution reduction, environmental solutions
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
• Clean Energy Transition

This programme is particularly relevant for natural heritage organisations, including projects focused on:

• biodiversity conservation
• ecosystem restoration
• nature interpretation and visitor engagement in protected areas
• community participation in nature protection

Horizon Europe – Cluster 6

The EU research programme Horizon Europe funds research and innovation on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Upcoming call (2026) opening: 17 April 2026
https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/cluster-6-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_en
These calls are best suited to research institutes, universities, and large partnerships, but NGOs and heritage organisations can participate as partners.

To cite this article: IE News Team (2026) “Funding opportunities”, Interpret Europe Newsletter Spring 2026, p. 30–31.
Available online: Interpret Europe Newsletter Spring 2026.

Heritage professionals are increasingly engaging with LGBTQIA+ histories, lives and experiences, yet many report uncertainty about how to do so responsibly, confidently and with care. Questions around language, representation, consultation, organisational context and public response can feel complex, particularly when there is no single ‘right’ way to proceed.
In response to this, the Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI) has recently published a new Best Practice Guidance on LGBTQIA+ Heritage Interpretation, developed collaboratively by a working group of LGBTQIA+ interpreters from across the sector. Rather than offering prescriptive rules or checklists, the guide is structured around a set of open, practical questions designed to support reflection, discussion and better decision-making in real-world contexts.

The guidance is aimed at interpreters working in any heritage setting, museums, galleries, archives, historic sites or community projects, and at any scale or budget.

Its core premise is simple – good LGBTQIA+ interpretation begins not with certainty, but with thoughtful questioning. The guide invites teams to pause and consider where they are starting from, how care is embedded in their work, who is involved in shaping interpretation, how words and images are used, and how organisations respond to feedback or challenge. There are no right or wrong answers, just more informed, thoughtful ones that emerge through reflection, collaboration and care. A key strength of the guide is its emphasis on process. It was developed through shared discussion and debate – through a working group of LGBTQIA+ interpreters representing a breadth of practice in natural, cultural and historic interpretation; activism; design; writing; collections; communications; in-person interpretation; interpretive planning and a range of career stages and geographies. It quickly became clear that queer interpretation is far too complex for a simple list of ‘dos and don’ts’. The resulting guide reflects the reality that LGBTQIA+ heritage interpretation is not a single story, voice or approach. This collaborative development really mattered to us. Interpretation is rarely at its best when created in isolation. Multiple perspectives strengthen practice. And in work that seeks to address LGBTQIA+ heritage, lived experience, collaboration and care are essential. Case studies and suggested further reading offer inspiration rather than templates, while a short glossary supports those who may be new to the terminology often used in this field.

Importantly, the guidance also acknowledges the organisational context in which interpretation takes place. It encourages heritage professionals to consider values, ethics and institutional responsibility alongside creativity and storytelling, and to distinguish between genuine questions from audiences and bad faith responses that may require firm boundaries. In line with AHI’s commitment to inclusive and ethical practice, the guide is free to download and intended for international use. While developed within a UK and Ireland context, its questions and principles are designed to be adaptable across different cultural, legal and institutional landscapes. Ultimately, the guide does not aim to provide definitive answers. Instead, it offers a framework for better conversations, conversations that can support more authentic, confident and care-led LGBTQIA+ heritage interpretation over time.

Download the free guide here:
https://ahi.org.uk/resource/lgbtqia-heritage-interpretation/

Find out more about AHI here:
https://ahi.org.uk/

Free webinar

In addition to the guide, AHI is also hosting a free webinar: LGBTQIA+ heritage interpretation.
When? Thursday 21 May 2026 at 17.00 BST/ 18.00 CEST
Join us for this online session where we will showcase the contents of the new guide, discuss how we attempted to ‘queer’ the interpretation process and highlight some of the case studies from across the UK and Ireland.

Queer heritage is embedded in society and can be found in museums, galleries, heritage properties, outdoor sites and beyond. But some interpreters tell us they are unsure as to how to approach this subject. This guidance and webinar aim to offer some reassurance, some insight and some inspiration through reference to some inspirational queer interpretation. There will be time for questions and conversation during the session. The webinar will be hosted by Steve Slack (FAHI) with members of the collective who created the best practice guide. Find out more and register here: https://ahi.org.uk/event/lgbtqia-heritage-interpretation-webinar/

Danni Gilbert is Marketing & Communications lead at the Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI). She works with heritage organisations to support inclusive, ethical interpretation practice and leads on sector wide guidance, campaigns and knowledge sharing initiatives. Contact: marketing@ahi.org.uk.
Steve Slack is a heritage interpretation consultant in the UK and a Fellow of the Association of Heritage Interpretation (FAHI). His current work focusses on including audiences in participative exhibition making processes and in engaging visitors through interpretive experiences that provoke dialogue and active meaning making. He can be contacted at: steve@steveslack.co.uk. 

To cite this article:
Gilbert, Danni & Slack, Steve (2026) “Interpreting with the LGBTQIA+ community in mind”, Interpret Europe Newsletter Spring 2026, p. 28.
Available online: Interpret Europe Newsletter Spring 2026.

Youth.Heritage.Europe, together with Europa Nostra — Project Leader of the European Heritage Hub — is proud to announce the NextGen Heritage Ambassadors (NGHA).

Following a highly competitive selection process with more than 300 applicants, 12 exceptional young professionals and students from across Europe have been selected to join this newly established advisory group. The NGHA places young voices at the heart of the European Heritage Hub, ensuring that emerging perspectives actively shape the future of Europe’s cultural heritage.

Over the next two years, the NextGen Heritage Ambassadors will act as youth advisors, advocates, and co-creators, bringing fresh ideas, creativity, and energy into strategic discussions. Their work will focus on key challenges and opportunities facing the heritage sector today — from climate change and social justice to digitalisation, participation, and intergenerational dialogue.

Chaired and coordinated by Youth.Heritage.Europe, with the support of Europa Nostra, the NGHA complements the work of the Advisory Council by strengthening the Hub’s commitment to youth engagement, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

We invite you to discover the 12 NextGen Heritage Ambassadors and learn more about the inspiring individuals behind this initiative — the voices shaping what comes next for Europe’s cultural heritage!

Meet the youth ambassadors: 

https://www.europeanheritagehub.eu/hub-unveils-12-new-nextgen-heritage-ambassadors-to-guide-youth-priorities-in-heritage/

To cite this article: “NextGen Heritage Ambassadors”, Interpret Europe Newsletter Spring 2026, p. 27.
Available online: Interpret Europe Newsletter Spring 2026.

About the programme

Interpret Europe has teamed up with Italian VET provider and cultural participation specialist Melting Pro, to run a professional mentoring and peer support programme for heritage interpreters over the next three years.

The programme is designed for a wide range of heritage professionals: freelance interpreters and trainers at different stages of their careers, those newly entering the field, as well as experienced practitioners interested in becoming mentors. It aims to provide personalised support for professional development, encourage knowledge-sharing, and strengthen both individual practice and the interpretive community as a whole.

Through online workshops, mentoring training, peer mentoring sessions and structured opportunities for exchange, the programme addresses both professional and soft skills, supporting sustainable career paths in a dynamic and evolving sector. Click here for full details.

First workshop – save the date and register now!

The introductory online workshop will take place on:
Wednesday, 18 February 2026 
16:00–18:00 CET

This first session will focus on self-branding, digital presence, and audience engagement, reflecting key needs identified through the launch survey. We are pleased to welcome Steve Slack as guest speaker, who will share practical insights and inspiration for professional growth.

During the session, Interpret Europe and Melting Pro will also explain how the mentoring programme will work in practice, including the matching process, roles, availability, and next steps. Time will be reserved for questions and clarifications.

To participate, please register here.

Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/vrr-wbjk-iru

Please note that roles allocation and mentor–mentee matching will take place after this first workshop.

This year, in the same year that our ‘big sister’ from the UK turned 50, Interpret Europe reached its own significant birthday. The initial establishment of the informal European network which later became formalised as IE was 25 years ago (although IE was only officially born 10 years later). Several of IE’s founding and active members have also been significantly involved in the sector through AHI over the years and this seems a good time to reflect on our achievements, growth and increased recognition for the heritage interpretation profession. It is a real pleasure to feature the thoughts and experience from one of AHI’s newer members in our newsletter. Hopefully you may spot some parallels with the work we are doing and the future ambitions of both organisations aligning. Here’s to the next 25 and 50 years of heritage interpretation helping to shape a more inclusive future! – Editor

In an increasingly busy world, it’s not always easy to pause and reflect — but attending the 50th anniversary conference of the Association for Heritage Interpretation (AHI) on 8th October 2025 was an experience worth sharing. It was an outstanding opportunity to engage with professionals dedicated to advancing best practice across the heritage interpretation sector.

As my first AHI conference as a member, it was an invaluable opportunity to connect with colleagues and explore current thinking in the heritage interpretation sector. The AHI continues to play a vital role in supporting interpreters in the UK and internationally through professional development, training, and advocacy.

The keynote address by Dr Karis Jade Petty, ‘Into the Garden: Inclusive Heritage for Sight Impaired Visitors’, offered profound insights into accessibility and inclusion in outdoor heritage spaces. Her excellent work demonstrates how thoughtful design benefits all visitors.

Gaynor Legall CBE, Chair of The Heritage & Cultural Exchange, delivered an inspiring presentation — ‘Whose Wales? Reclaiming the Past, Rewriting the Future’. Her reflections on the multicultural heritage of Cardiff’s Tiger Bay powerfully highlighted the need for inclusive narratives that reflect all communities.

Her inspirational talk highlighted the men and women who helped build Cardiff’s docklands communities, despite facing discrimination, exclusion, and systemic oppression. Their resilience shaped one of Wales’s most vibrant multicultural identities.

Through her ongoing Tiger Bay and World project, The Heritage & Cultural Exchange works to preserve and share these important stories, ensuring that the lived experiences of Cardiff’s Black population and its diverse docklands community are remembered, respected, and recognised as a vital part of Wales’s national history.

Pete Roch and Jason Davidson of Squeaky Pedal films delivered an insightful presentation: ‘Beyond the Label: Unlocking Hidden Stories through Film interpretation’. They are an award-winning heritage film, animation, and television production company working with museums, cultural institutions and broadcasters to create inspiring and engaging content and immersive museum experiences that connect with diverse audiences that bring history to life.

Eric Langham’s session, ‘A Circular Economy for Exhibitions’, also resonated strongly, reinforcing the value of sustainable, reusable approaches — principles I apply in my own heritage art practice including my latest heritage art installation, Under African Skies.

AHI50 was both insightful and motivating, reaffirming the importance of interpretation in shaping inclusive and sustainable heritage practice. 

Jacqueline Braithwaite is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and a retired Head of Design in FE & HE. Jacqueline is a mixed media & heritage artist, and she gives her time and experience to support the sector through being a Creative & Disability Advocate. She is a community researcher at SS Great Britain and is a Trustee & Advisory Board Member of the same museum and Beckford Tower which is part of The Bath Preservation Trust in Bath, UK.  Jacqueline can be contacted at: jacqueline_braithwaite@yahoo.co.uk.

To cite this article: Braithwaite, Jacqueline (2025) ‘Reflections on the 50th anniversary AHI conference’ in Interpret Europe Newsletter 4‑2025, p. 25-26.
Available online: Newsletter winter 2025

Join us to co-create our Interpret Europe conference 2026: Re-interpreting Heritage in the Light of Faro, which will take place in Faro, Portugal in April. We will explore how heritage interpretation can strengthen democratic values, foster dialogue, and connect people with both cultural and natural heritage in meaningful ways. Faro is the birthplace of the Faro Convention, a milestone in people-centred, value-based approaches to heritage, making it the perfect setting to reflect on how interpretation can contribute to inclusive, sustainable communities across Europe.

To this end, we will organise group discussions and open space sessions and invite you to shape and co-create the future of interpretation with colleagues from all around Europe and beyond.

However, our standard programme with presentations and workshops remains, so you are warmly invited  to consider your own contribution by submitting an abstract (and later a full paper) by 5 January. 

As always, we will peek beyond the conference halls and visit numerous places in the Faro region. Whether your passion is culture, gastronomy, or nature, there will be something for everyone to remember this remarkable corner of Portugal forever.

You will be able to choose from six long study visits and at least six short ones, making the selection really hard.

Will you be tempted to visit the Loulé Rock Salt Mine, one of the most important geological sites of the Geoparque Algarvensis? 230 metres below the surface we will not only marvel at the magnificent underground world but also discuss how interpretation could help small businesses to find new ways forward in times of globalisation.

Or, will you prefer to go to the archaeological site of Milreu, surrounded by a serene agricultural landscape. We will rest our senses by wandering through the remains of a luxurious Roman villa and ponder over the succession of beliefs and cultural practices that shaped the south of the Iberian Peninsula. 

The group visiting the Eco-Cork Factory will learn about one of Portugal’s greatest natural treasures and one of its most exported products worldwide. In this family-run factory the love for cork has been passed down from generation to generation. Here, the ancestral knowledge of cork harvesting and transformation is preserved and at the same time adapted to modern times.

‘The cubist town’ of Olhão, an ancient fishing village, is a living testimony of the historical interconnection of locals with the ocean. We will trace the paths of legends, immersing ourselves in narratives that have influenced lives for centuries. Here, stories of fishermen, sailors and local folklore have woven a rich tapestry of identity. 

Or maybe you will choose to hop aboard a boat and experience the stunning Ria Formosa with its barrier islands, salt marshes and sand dunes as well as its rich flora and fauna. In conversation with local fishermen committed to sustainable practices, we’ll discuss the ecological challenges they face and the strategies they use to adapt to a changing world.

A bunch of short visits will let us explore Faro itself and its near surroundings, its landmarks, hidden gems and the most determinant moments in its history. Whether you chose a museum, the science centre, the digital visitor centre, a guided tour along the beach, a hike on the Ludo trail in the nature reserve or a tour up on the roofs of Faro or in its narrow streets – you will find plenty of food for lively discussions that align with our conference theme. Tastings of food and wine at sunset will round off our days. But this is not all! 

Parallel to our conference, our local organisers – Sciaena organisation – will be holding their annual Marmotto festival. This will be our unique chance to enjoy some artivism through a lively cultural event that blends music, interactive art, talks and performances inviting visitors to think about ocean conservation and expression through creativity. 

To round up our Portuguese adventure, join us on one of the post-conference tours to Évora or the Geopark Algarvensis.

There are good reasons why Évora will be the European Capital of Culture in 2027. A walk in the city centre is like a journey through 2000 years of Portuguese history. We’ll go on a guided tour visiting Évora’s most remarkable historic sites, including haunting chapels, ancient aqueducts, and serene gardens, and learn about the challenges and expectations of this UNESCO World Heritage city.Nature lovers should definitely not miss the post-conference tour UNESCO Geopark Algarvensis, a unique landscape of striking cliffs, hidden caves, and dramatic rock formations shaped over millions of years. We will learn about the region’s geological history, and discover the rich biodiversity of the area. 

However, before we get there, you should be aware of these deadlines so you don’t miss out on preparation for the conference:

Call for papers deadline: 5 January

Early bird registration until: 1 March

The conference website will be our most reliable signpost and information desk before we will meet in April so keep an eye on that for any extra information.

Bettina Lehnes is IE’s Event Coordinator. She can be contacted at: bettina.lehnes@interpret-europe.net.
Available online: Newsletter winter 2025

As part of the joint Learning Landscapes initiative, Interpret Europe and UNESCO are organising an online symposium, which will take place on 26-27 February 2026. It will address the role of narratives in 21st century heritage interpretation, and we are calling for your contributions.

Heritage interpretation is changing. Once focused on entertaining storytelling, it is now more about sharing experiences, inviting dialogue and empowering people to interpret for themselves. 

But how do we navigate the diverse – and sometimes conflicting – narratives around heritage?

Narratives are interpretive frames shared by many. They place heritage phenomena in a meaningful context and influence what we remember, and how we form our beliefs. Strong narratives can connect, heal, and inspire but they can also divide, silence, or distort. Engaging with multiple narratives requires new skills and opens new questions, which we aim to address in our symposium.

You can find the questions we want to address on the IE website here:

https://interpret-europe.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/symposium_lli_questions.pdf 

We welcome not only academic papers but also invite you to share your own experiences, present our own ideas, or simply stimulate and facilitate exchange on a particular question. 

Please select the format that best suits you from our submission form, which we need to receive by 9 January 2026.

We are much looking forward to your proposals!

Available online: Newsletter winter 2025

Have you heard about the Culture Compass report? 

It was published in November by the European Commission, presented by Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Culture, Youth and Sport. It is available here:

https://culture.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-11/Communication%20-%20Culture%20Compass%20with%20cover_0.pdf 

This strategic document recognises culture and cultural heritage as a cornerstone of Europe’s security, resilience, democracy, competitiveness, social cohesion and sustainable development. This forward-looking framework is designed to shape the EU’s cultural policy by ensuring that culture plays a central role in fostering European identity, celebrating diversity and promoting excellence. 

It will guide EU policies in four key directions, for an EU that: 1. upholds and strengthens European values and cultural rights; 2. empowers artists and cultural professionals, and supports people; 3. draws on culture and cultural heritage to become more competitive, resilient and cohesive; and 4. champions international cultural relations and partnerships.

Members of the European Heritage Alliance, the European Heritage Hub Consortium, and other organisations have already publicly supported the document and agree with the call for the strategy set out to be adequately funded, including allocating at least 2% of the next EU budget to culture.

Manos Vougioukas, Secretary-General of the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN) stated: “As the only pan-European network for cultural tourism with over 40 members in 21 countries, we very much welcome and endorse this awaited Culture Compass, given that it recognises and highlights the synergies of culture, heritage and sustainable tourism.”

City leaders in the Eurocities network “strongly support the EU’s new Culture Compass and are ready to help translate its ambitions into action at the local level. They urge the EU to match this vision with robust funding—especially through the Agora EU programme, Creative Europe, and cultural priorities embedded in broader EU budgets. The Compass addresses key challenges facing Europe’s cultural and creative sectors, promotes democracy and artistic freedom.” (Taken from the Culture Compass Reaction Statements shared by the European Heritage Alliance)

NEMO, the Network of European Museum Organisations, actively contributed to the Culture Compass for Europe by emphasising the independence of cultural organisations and the indispensable role of museums. Through its advocacy, Europe’s 30,000 museums are recognised as democratic spaces that foster learning, social cohesion, and well-being. NEMO’s positioning highlights museums as central actors in addressing cultural challenges such as participation, resilience, and rights within the EU’s strategic framework.

This new Culture Compass strategy obviously has positive implications for heritage interpretation, and IE’s values-based approach could be key in helping communities reach their potential through the people-centred co-creative interpretive processes for which we advocate. Keep an eye on the potential funding streams that may come out of this Culture Compass – it might be fruitful to help us steer the right course for heritage interpretation under this framework.

To cite this article: Interpret Europe News Team  “Culture Compass for Europe”, Interpret Europe Newsletter 4-2025 (Winter 2025), p. 27–28.
Available online: Newsletter winter 2025

The Living Images project at the Zagreb City Museum represents an innovative museological interpretation model based on the method of living history, which was the first of its kind in Croatia. Launched in 2000, this programme was designed as a platform for interactive and personally narrated presentations of history through the roles of curators, who assume the personas of historical figures closest to their interests and expertise. Over the years, the project has developed and attracted external participants, including colleagues from other museums, public institutions, friends, and family members. Individuals could choose characters and roles from history or everyday life, allowing visitors to gain a deeper, more personal experience of history. It is much easier to remember a personal conversation with the Black Queen – Barbara Celjska or Ban Jelačić than a traditional guided tour with standard data and facts.

The advantage of the Living Images approach is that interpretation is human-centered, emphasising the human dimension of history, daily life, customs, misconceptions, triumphs, and struggles of the characters that curators and collaborators interpret. This approach engages visitors on both an emotional and intellectual level. Living Images is the first official example at the Zagreb City Museum of applying living history methods in interpretation, thereby encouraging new approaches in museum presentation and interpretation.

Living Images mainly encourages participatory and experiential methods in museums, emphasising authenticity and context. Through this project, the local community engages with history personally and directly, turning the Zagreb City Museum into a modern space for connection, reflection, and identity. It also underscores the importance of the human element in interpreting cultural heritage. As a result, this project acts as a bridge between traditional museums and contemporary interpretive methods, offering a meaningful experience that can be expanded or tailored to meet community needs and preferences.

In recent years, the Museum has also begun collaborating with city residents who have expressed interest in cooperation, making Living Images a bridge between experts and laypeople. This provides additional opportunities for residents to participate in education and the interpretation of history. On its 25th anniversary, Living Images remains faithful to its tradition but is also open to change and breaking down walls between worlds. 

Due to the popularity, tradition, and high professional standards, the Zagreb City Museum has protected ‘Living Images’ under the Copyright Law. This in itself stands as a sign of a good interpretive programme.

Aleksandra Berberih Slana is a museum director, cultural historian and museologist with extensive experience in museum interpretation and educational programmes, specialising in innovative methods of engaging the public with cultural heritage. Aleksandra can be contacted at: abslana@mgz.hr.

To cite this article: Berberih Slana, Aleksandra (2025) ‘Living Images: A Creative Tool for Interpreters of History’ in Interpret Europe Newsletter 4‑2025, p. 21–22.
Available online: Newsletter winter 2025