Clarifying and supporting value-based and people-centred heritage interpretation for our profession.
Interpret Europe is developing a Framework of reference (FoR) through the EU-supported HI-People project. It will clarify and support value-based and people-centred heritage interpretation.
The approach begins with people’s diverse relationships with heritage, one another and nature. It supports learning and openness to new insights rather than prescribed personal conclusions, while recognising interpreters’ educational and ethical responsibilities towards people, societies and the natural world.
Four interrelated elements will connect the approach’s conceptual foundations with guidance for practice within and beyond IE. These are:
- a code of professional ethics
- defining principles
- a glossary of key concepts
- practical guidelines
Building on exchanges including the New paradigm café which took place during the IE conference in Faro in April, development of the FoR will involve a gradually widening group of contributors from within and beyond IE, working towards a coherent draft before wider consultation.
Alongside this, an online New Paradigm Café on professional ethics is being planned for the second half of November as part of the GAHI webinar series, offering an opportunity to share experiences and questions that inform the FoR. Details on participation will follow once arrangements are confirmed so keep an eye out for that if you would like to take part.
Patrick Lehnes is IE’s Cultural Heritage Coordinator. He can be contacted at: patrick.lehnes@interpret-europe.net. Max Dubravko Fijacko is IE’s Outreach Coordinator. He can be contacted at: dubravko.fijacko@interpret-europe.net.
To cite this article: Lehnes, Patrick and Fijacko, Max Dubravko (2026) “Developing a ‘Framework of reference’ for heritage interpretation”, Interpret Europe Newsletter Autumn 2026, p. 10. Available online: Interpret Europe Newsletter Autumn 2026.
