In 2024, IE had the opportunity to conduct a two-day in-person workshop for the Austrian Commission for UNESCO in Vienna. The focus was on World Heritage interpretation. The German Commission for UNESCO took up this format, and since then IE has conducted three more workshops of this kind.

The workshops were prompted by the five recommendations on value-based heritage interpretation issued by the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe after its 2019 workshop in Bamberg, Germany. These recommendations were included in the regular reviews of the IE training programme, which culminated in the joint Learning Landscapes initiative between IE and the Regional Bureau.

Beyond presenting facts and meanings, the aim is to foster interpretive literacy among people. Visitors and local people around heritage sites are encouraged to share their own interpretations and the underlying values ​​associated with them, while also ensuring that such processes are properly facilitated. Local stakeholders are supported in developing interpretive strategies together, and local guides, writers, and planners are to be given the opportunity to undergo relevant training and obtain certification.

During the workshop, we conducted exercises aimed at initiating whole interpretive experiences, linking heritage with values ​​at varying levels, and identifying phenomena particularly suited to addressing sustainability in a way that opens access for people who are perhaps not initially interested in the topic.

As with all German UNESCO workshops, the event was initiated by Carolin Kolhoff, Head of the Division of World Heritage at the German Commission for UNESCO. This particular workshop was organised by Katharina Jesswein, Project Manager for Education and Mediation at the serial German-Czech World Heritage property Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region. Hence, it also included a memorable descent into a mine shaft, where our hosts introduced us to an interpretive trail at a depth of 150 metres.

As a next step, heritage interpretation will now be the subject of the German Federal Foreign Office’s regular online World Heritage Exchange. IE has just been invited to present the latest developments there, and participants from the previous in-person workshops will contribute by sharing activities resulting from them.

Furthermore, the Regional Bureau in Venice has initiated a two-day online symposium, scheduled for February, to familiarise all serial World Heritage properties in Europe with the new developments.

What can you do now?

National Commissions for UNESCO exist in all countries, serving as platforms between the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the respective national government, and the civil society. You can find the contact details at https://pax.unesco.org/countries/NationalCommissions.html. 

It would be highly desirable to reach out to commissions in more countries. Of course, this primarily calls for action from country coordinators and their teams, but also from other IE members, especially institutional ones, who may already have good contacts. Perhaps you might then be able to report on a workshop held in your country in a future newsletter.

Thorsten Ludwig founded his company, Bildungswerk Interpretation, in 1993. He holds an MSc in Interpretation: Management and Practice, was awarded for the ParcInterp training project as part of the UNESCO Decade Education for Sustainable Development and, in his former role as IE Managing Director, received the EU Altiero Spinelli Prize for the initiative Engaging citizens with Europe’s cultural heritage. You can contact him at: ludwig@interp.de.

We are thinking about some changes to how we package and deliver news, but we’d love to hear your views first. Thank you to those who joined for the Market of Ideas session at iecon26 in Faro where we started a discussion that will continue while we investigate some options.

In the meantime, this newsletter is for all of us to communicate what we’re up to and what we’re thinking, to support each other, and to start conversations that can help to shape our profession. So, please consider contributing something for future issues and spreading the word among your colleagues to support this communication outlet.

Also, if you think you could spare some time to help on the team – please let Marie know! There are various support roles available and if we change the format of the newsletter, there could be more! 

Marie Banks is IE’s News Coordinator. She can be contacted at: marie.banks@interpret-europe.net or news@interpret-europe.net. 

To cite this article: Banks, Marie (2026). The newsletter needs you! Interpret Europe Newsletter – Summer 2026, p. 34. Available online: IE newsletter 2026-2 summer

Climate change is the fastest growing threat to heritage sites and cultural practices worldwide, yet many are unable to take needed action—there’s already so much to do, it’s hard to know where to start, and it often feels like you’re the only one thinking about it. You’re not alone! There are thousands of people like you around the world, so a pledge was started to unite us, and a community is being built to support us. We adapt better when we work together!

On 4 June, the global campaign Heritage Adapts was launched, aiming to unite the heritage sector behind a shared mission: at least 3,000 heritage sites and cultural practices to take locally led climate adaptation action by 2030. 

Alongside other organisations from around the world, the European Heritage Hub (including Project Leader Europa Nostra and partner ICLEI Europe) is involved as a founding leadership partner.

The campaign’s goal is to mobilise local stewards behind this collective pledge and provide the technical guidance, localised data access, and global connections to help them succeed. 

The initiative is recognised by the U.N.’s climate agency as a Plan to Accelerate Solutions advancing the Global Goal on Adaptation. 

The partners urge you to join the movement. Let’s work together to build community resilience worldwide and show that heritage is part of the solution!

Find out more on the Heritage Adapts website: https://act.heritageadapts.org

To cite this article: IE News Team (2026) “Heritage Adapts”, Interpret Europe Newsletter Summer 2026, pp. 31–32. Available online: Interpret Europe Newsletter Summer 2026.

Culture is important; without heritage, there is no future. It seems we are all aware of this, but are we really?

It is always worth repeating this, speaking out loud, so that everyone who cares deeply about memory and heritage does not cease in their efforts and feels that their work is not in vain.

If we think of European tradition, of Western civilisation from its very beginnings, it is hard to find a better place than Cyprus, a country where trade routes and paths of cultural exchange have crossed for centuries. It was the Mediterranean region that gave rise to socio-cultural and economic transformations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and from our ancestors in this area we can learn how to foster the peaceful coexistence of civilisation and nature.

What heritage experts are currently focusing on is its significant role in the daily lives of local communities, its impact on environmental protection, and its importance for resilience to crises. It was these issues that formed the leitmotif of the meeting at the European Cultural Heritage Summit, which I attended in Nicosia, Cyprus, from 26-30 May.

In the discussions and speeches that took place during those few days, several points were consistently emphasised: without heritage, there is no future; it is on this foundation that a shared, peaceful future can be built, even when there is a degree of hostility between nations. 

It was noted many times how vital the local community is to the preservation of heritage, including natural heritage. Informed residents recognise that the past surrounding them is an undeniable asset, without which the creation of a sustainable future is impossible and pointless. The fundamental conclusion: that education, cooperation, and learning about the heritage that surrounds us is vital to our shared future, as well as subsequent proper and comprehensive interpretation of our heritage, combined with an interesting, engaging narrative.

The five-day meeting in Nicosia featured events that are a regular feature of every Europa Nostra General Assembly: Excellence Day, during which representatives of the award-winning projects presented their work; and the following day’s European Heritage Award Ceremony, at which we celebrated outstanding achievements in the field of heritage conservation and promotion. 

During the European Heritage Policy Agora and the European Heritage Hub Forum, discussions focused on how cultural heritage influences sustainable development and how it can help overcome crises and conflicts. The proceedings concluded with a visit to the Turkish side of Europe’s only divided capital, where we discussed cross-border cooperation and overcoming various barriers, using Nicosia as an example.

The Summit is supported by the European Union and was this year held under the patronage of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Ewa Wojtoń is a historian working as a specialist in the Research Institute of European Heritage in the International Cultural Centre in Kraków, Poland (www.mck.krakow.pl). You can get in touch with her at: e.wojton@mck.krakow.pl.

To cite this article: IE News Team (2026) “‘Heritage as the Soul of Mare Nostrum’ – The European Cultural Heritage Summit, May 2026”, Interpret Europe Newsletter Summer 2026, p. 30. Available online: Interpret Europe Newsletter Summer 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.

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 course was organised within the framework of Interpret Europe’s Learning Landscapes Initiative, supported by the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe (Venice Office).

Eastern Zagori is a remote and often overlooked region, where the gradual depopulation of villages has allowed forests and wildlife to reclaim much of the land. It is also a place where the scars of the Nazi occupation remain visible, adding a layer of historical depth to its rich natural and cultural landscape.

The course attracted 18 participants from nearby villages as well as urban areas. Among them were both young and older individuals, experienced guides, and newcomers to the field. Together, they created a shared space for learning, exchange, and personal growth through heritage interpretation. During those days, the village of Greveniti came alive once again. After the training sessions, participants would gather in the three cafés, where fireplaces were already lit for the season, and share conversations and experiences.

Autumn in Zagori brings change. As villagers were preparing to bid farewell to the summer, the presence of the group seemed to spark new reflections. Mr. Vassilis, an elderly resident and owner of one of the cafés, was inspired to tell participants about his family’s long-abandoned watermill. He eventually opened its doors for the first time in many years, expressing the hope that perhaps it could be preserved and revitalised in the future.

As for how the course unfolded, it is best described in the words of Georgia, one of the participants: “Some experiences cannot really be captured in words… And yet, during the Certified Interpretive Guide course, that’s exactly what we explored: how to let objects speak, how to listen to the whispers of the world around us! How a single stone, a leaf, a sound can tell stories, stir emotions and reveal new meanings through each person’s unique perspective. Days wrapped in mist, autumn colours and sounds became part of a shared story, revealing that interpretation isn’t just about knowledge – it’s a way of connecting with places, people, with life itself. Days full of learning, inspiration and true connection. Every activity, every conversation, every shared moment was an invitation to turn the world around us into experience and emotion. I’m grateful for everyone who shared this journey – for the knowledge, the support, the warmth, and the joy of co-creation. A glimpse of a week that reminded me how the simplest things – an object, a landscape, a sound – can become bridges to something deeper… to caring for and protecting our natural and cultural heritage.” (Georgia Pirovoli)

Penelope Gkini is an interpretive guide and Interpret Europe trainer for the Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) course. She can be contacted at: porizocrete@gmail.com.

To cite this article: Gkini, Penelope (2025) ‘Autumn colours mean change: A CIG course in Greece’ in Interpret Europe Newsletter 4‑2025, p. 11.
Available online: Newsletter winter 2025