IE Conference 2023: Last chance for the Early Bird booking
March 23, 2023Hurry to take advantage of the Early Bird booking fee to join us in Romania on 12-15 May for our theme, ‘Creating learning landscapes through heritage interpretation’. Preparations for the conference are in full swing and the temperature is rising! Our partners at AICI Architectural Studio from Bucharest are ...Read More
Rebuilding Lives: 50 years of Ugandan Asians in Leicester
March 23, 2023An exhibition celebrating culture, community and resilience. Diversity is now a basic characteristic of the western world, reflected in growing racial, ethnic and cultural differences across populations. For example, it is estimated that, by 2050, some 30% of the UK population will be from minority communities. How nation states incorporate ...Read More
Can heritage interpretation reach the kindergarten?
March 22, 2023An opportunity to use interpretive techniques to bring Portuguese culture to life for our youngest art critics and budding artists. I was challenged by my youngest son’s pre-school teacher to develop an activity for the class related to the parents’ jobs. As an investigator in History of Art ...Read More
Stimulating intellectual adventure with Muses in Zagreb
March 22, 2023From Poland to Croatia to learn how to “look with the heart”, find deeper meanings in surrounding reality and how to share it with others. In February 2023, the first of three groups from the new Polish museum in Sulejówek attended the Interpret Europe Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) course organised ...Read More
Interpretation as the tourist guides’ creative outlet
March 21, 2023Tourist guides overwhelmed by the demands of mass tourism: Can interpretation be a path to self-actualisation for guide and guests? I’m a newbie to Interpret Europe. Yet, as a tourist guide, I see myself as a heritage interpreter. This is what I do every day when with visitors ...Read More
If it works for children … how the module on interpretation for children came about
March 21, 2023A new Interpret Europe training module is almost ready to launch. It is finally time to talk about and showcase what I have been thinking about (for the last three years), what we have been working on (with an IE focus group) and have now tested (on three separate occasions ...Read More
Soup and flowers – Interpreting World Heritage
March 21, 2023IE represents Europe in a new publication celebrating global examples of interpretation. Interpreters of the World: heads up! A new compilation of texts about interpretation from around the globe has just been published by WHIPIC, the International Centre for the Interpretation and Presentation for World Heritage Sites, under the auspices ...Read More
Around Romania in two weeks
March 21, 2023Ahead of iecon23 some memories of a trip through Romania last summer, to give you a little taster of its rich history and cultural heritage. The English have a lovely expression for my kind of trip, a “busman’s holiday”. And I am sure it sounds all too familiar: when ...Read More
IE Webinar: Living history at the Hungarian OpenAir Museum: a case study
March 15, 202327 March 2023 at 18:00 CET In this webinar we will speak about the complex living history program at the Hungarian Open-Air Museum in Szentendre. It is set in the recently opened Transylvanian building complex of the institution, which offers varied knowledge-transfer methods and innovative exhibition interpretation ...Read More
IE Webinar: Interpreting Islamic heritage in Croatia
January 25, 202316 February 2023 at 18:00 CET In this webinar we will speak about the Islamic heritage in Croatia and how it can be effectively interpreted to both Muslim and non-Muslim participants The presentation will showcase Rijeka mosque which, with its combination of historical and modern styles, is one ...Read More
IE Conference 2023: Registrations are now open!
December 23, 2022Join us in Romania on 12-15 May for our theme, ‘Creating learning landscapes through heritage interpretation’. It is time to get ready for a long-awaited Interpret Europe live conference – a diverse, inspirational, and impactful gathering of heritage experts from all over Europe and beyond, with an exciting range ...Read More
Funding opportunities and support
December 23, 2022There are several open calls to look at and some new tools to help identify long-term opportunities. Take a look and good luck! Horizon Europe work programme 2023-24 €13.5 billion available through this fund for cultural heritage and cultural and creative industries. On 6 December the European ...Read More
Interpretation Rocks: Celebrating the old and the new in the home of Rock and Roll
December 22, 2022Members of the USA’s National Association for Interpretation (NAI) gathered in Cleveland, Ohio, for their annual conference. Held during the last week of November, almost 700 people attended in person with another 200 joining digitally. What struck me about the week of meetings, sessions, special events and field trips ...Read More
Stories from the AHI conference
December 22, 2022In October, AHI members gathered to explore how heritage interpretation can adapt, embrace, and connect in an age of change. The highlight of our 2022 calendar was undoubtedly the fantastic conference we held on 12-14 October at the Hilton Garden Inn in Snowdonia National Park, Wales. It felt like ...Read More
Round-up of European policy and news
December 22, 2022Here we include summaries of some developments that we are aware of that may be of interest to members. Follow the links to read more detail. EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 adopted On 29 November, the Council of Culture Ministers of the EU adopted a Resolution on the ...Read More
The Sustainable Museum
December 22, 2022A review of The Sustainable Museum: How Museums Contribute to the Great Transformation by Christopher Garthe, 2022, Routledge. As a keen museum visitor, I’m intrigued by the vision Christopher Garthe sets out in his new book, The Sustainable Museum, contextualising museums within the global drive towards sustainability, and how ...Read More
Linking tourism, conservation and community development
December 22, 2022An insight into the work of IE Institutional Member, Red Rocks Initiative from Rwanda. Ravenswood Media and Red Rocks Initiative recently held a filmmaking class for national park rangers, trackers and guides. The training provides Rwandans with a media voice in the global discussion of our changing environment and shines ...Read More
Winter romance in a national park
December 22, 2022We invite you to experience the natural and cultural beauty of Pradnik Valley – one of the most romantic places in Poland. The coming end of the year also ends the Year of Polish Romanticism established by the Parliament of the Republic of Poland. The Pradnik Valley in Ocjów National Park ...Read More
Adventures in the UK
December 22, 2022A whirlwind year gaining much more than a degree in museum studies – so many new friends and rich experiences – all thanks to a scholarship. It was July 2021. I just went to my office to continue my everyday tasks and an email arrived in my inbox that said Congratulations. I ...Read More
Sharing of wine is sharing of stories
December 22, 2022If interpretation creates meaningful connections and if wine can connect people – then what is better than sharing stories while tasting wine? Wine can tell us many stories and reveal secrets. Not only because of the old Latin saying “in vino veritas”, but also because of something that the ...Read More
Third Space in culture, heritage and learning
December 22, 2022Some observations as our Erasmus+ project, Negotiating Identities in the Third Space, comes to an end. I have previously shared my thoughts and work on the topic of creating agonistic (third) spaces through heritage interpretation, most recently at IE’s 2020 web conference, ‘Fostering heritage communities’. (Conference proceedings: https://www ...Read More
Understanding the fishing heritage of Ližnjan through inventive self-guided interpretation
December 22, 2022Augmented reality and gamification connect generations in a village of abundant fishing heritage. Ližnjan is a small town in the Croatian region of Istria. It lies on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It doesn’t come as a surprise that the fishing tradition is a big part of its ...Read More
Inspirational Route of the Frankopans for a better future
December 22, 2022Mastering interpretation by turning phenomena into experiences, evoking participation, taking care of heritage and offering deeper meanings. Following the Frankopan route, you can get to know 17 castles, fortified towns, towers and manors, as well as three religious buildings. If you’d like to hear captivating stories about an unknown ...Read More
Interpreting the great plantain
December 22, 2022A short journey through Mecklenburg-Vorpommern from factual knowledge to professional interpretation. In October-November 2022, the LLS (Landeslehrstätte für Naturschutz und nachhaltige Entwicklung) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern organised an IE Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) course. The aim was to train more people who are already certified nature and landscape guides ...Read More
To find the heart of a site – together
December 22, 2022Setting a clear direction and using a cooperative approach to best find the heart of a site in your interpretation. When we are developing a site and want to interpret its innermost, its soul to others, it is important to include the nearby area and its residents and incorporate interpretation ...Read More
Mills and the sugar legacy in the Caribbean
December 22, 2022Interpret Europe was invited to a UNESCO event in Jamaica and spoke about value-based interpretation. The world mostly knows of the culture of Jamaica and other Caribbean islands through dance and music, which is of African origin and was alledgely the only form of expression during the period of ...Read More
HI for climate resilient future
December 22, 2022IE signed a manifesto urging recognition of the power of the arts, culture and heritage to accelerate climate action. Heritage interpretation can and should be the key approach of the heritage and culture sector in the move for positive climate action. Ahead of the COP27 meeting held in Egypt in ...Read More
The COVID crisis – an opportunity to improve our interpretation
December 22, 2022Forced physical distance and wearing masks gave us a chance to remember other senses and ways to engage with each other, and with our heritage. Without a doubt the period and experience of the COVID-19 global pandemic is and will be a case study for future generations from many ...Read More
IE Webinar: Local engagement: a game of mutual trust and inspiration
December 9, 202214 December 2022 at 18.00 CET In this webinar we will discuss why, but mostly how, locals can become co-creators in interpretation. Based on real cases shared by experienced interpreters and other professionals, we will try to determine what steps interpreters could take in order to build a ...Read More
IE Webinar: Does nature need interpretation?
November 15, 202223 November at 18:00 CET This webinar will address, in particular, nature guides. Today, the majority of the human population in Europe lives in urban areas where there is not much opportunity to encounter nature in the wild. Despite this, there are many romantic nature lovers and environmental warriors ...Read More
Call for Entries – European Heritage Awards/ Europa Nostra Awards 2023
October 26, 2022Open for submissions until 25 November: European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2023 The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2023 are open for submissions! Europe’s most inspiring architects, craftsmen, cultural heritage experts, professionals, volunteers, public and private institutions, and local communities now have a new chance to be ...Read More
Heritage for children through storytelling
October 15, 2022Thursday 20 October 2022, 18:00 CEST Children are the decision-makers of the future. Can interpretive programmes develop in children a sense of responsibility towards the use of the natural environment and a respect for cultural and historical heritage? I believe you will agree with me that it can ...Read More
Young European Heritage Makers
September 27, 2022Are you an ambassador of heritage? Be a storyteller, show what heritage means for your generation and share it with the rest of Europe! This competition, run by European Heritage Days (EHD), is open until 31 December 2022. Check if your country is participating and join the competition! You can ...Read More
iecon23: You don’t want to miss it
September 24, 2022Join us in Romania where a UNESCO-designated, still inhabited, patrimonial estate in the heart of Transylvania will host our next conference. If you consider coming to the IE conference, Creating learning landscapes through heritage interpretation, from 12-15 May 2023, here is what you will experience first-hand. Sighisoara ...Read More
Recognition for the blind water carrier
September 24, 2022Cultural Heritage in Action enlists the Bakar Water Carrier in its catalogue of good practices. Could your project also be eligible? We have already written about the Bakar Water Carrier project in previous editions of this newsletter. This time, we would love to share some wonderful news with you! Cultural ...Read More
It’s Frog Day, but where are the frogs?
September 24, 2022Sensitive interpretation of endangered species seeks to raise awareness in their absence – in order to help protect them. The importance of wetland habitats – lakes, streams, swamps, winter pools which are flooded annually or seasonally – is indisputable: The species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, and plants that develop in ...Read More
Re-imagining The Monument through sound. A collaboration
September 24, 2022Digital technology was used during the Covid-19 pandemic to give students a practical and creative insight into work in the cultural sector. Over the summer of 2021, teams from Tower Bridge and The Monument to the Great Fire of London, and London Metropolitan University collaborated to make use of ...Read More
The blue heart of Europe keeps beating
September 24, 2022A historic step by the Albanian government in June 2022 is a win for nature, the environment and Europe’s heritage. Vjosa is my daughter’s name, but it is also the name of a river in the south of Albania. It is a river that flows near the ...Read More
How Ukrainians are fighting on the cultural front
September 24, 2022War affects us in many ways, including loss of cultural heritage. But there is some light among the destruction, making a difference. Since the start of occupation in February 2022, Russian forces have damaged or outright destroyed more than 450 cultural landmarks, including 34 museums (according to the Ukrainian Cultural ...Read More
Interpretation of gastronomy as local identity
September 24, 2022Training and workshop about the potential of gastronomic heritage as a test for the upcoming IE Gastronomic Heritage training module. The project, ‘Interpretation of gastronomy as local identity’, supported by the EU-funded program i-Portunus was held in Macedonia between 13-18 May 2022. The host of the project ...Read More
It happened again!
September 24, 2022How we typed our way through Certified Interpretive Writer (CIW) training. It’s no secret that I am a big fan of Interpret Europe’s courses. I try to seize any possible opportunity to join one. However, that’s not always easy. While the CIG is often available in different ...Read More
Read, understand and convey the beauty of Rügen
September 24, 2022How to motivate others to communicate with natural and cultural phenomena? Interpretation as a method of giving things an emotional meaning. From March to May 2022 the Landesamt für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Geologie (LUNG) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern organised training for certified nature and landscape guides (ZNL) on the island of ...Read More
IE’s first regional panel tackles natural heritage protection
September 24, 2022Members from Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina joined together online to discuss heritage interpretation and nature. As a result of a joint collaboration between IE’s country coordinators for Slovenia (Marijaliza Fajdiga), Croatia (Andrijana Milosavljević), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Edo Mešić), together with Vida Ungar (IE’s natural heritage coordinator ...Read More
Why should heritage sites look towards UNESCO designated sites?
September 24, 2022IE has again trained World Heritage Site managers from 14 European countries. Interpretive planning is an indispensable part of their future work. Good heritage interpretation no longer cares only for educating people about heritage. The need for involving people – locals and visitors – in interpretation, for discussing critical subjects, and to ...Read More
What can European Heritage Label sites do for Europeans?
September 24, 2022Heard on Brussels’ stage: “Interpret Europe’s know-how can support heritage professionals connecting people with Europe’s heritage”. Imagine your local heritage having something in common with other European countries and regions. Yes, whole human history is connected somehow, but if you think of Roman frontiers, Enlightment ideas, the ...Read More
A recipe for Lessismoreandmoreisless
September 24, 2022Interpretive lessons learned from an old Austrian tale – and if it whets your appetite, read on for a recipe! Does anybody know of Friedrich Torberg? Austrian critic, sportsman, raconteur, journalist, and novelist. His mother Hungarian, his father Czech; Jew and anti-fascist; writer of the ‘Schüler Gerber’ and translator of ...Read More
Interpretive themes during the Ancient era?
September 24, 2022In Hellenistic times, epigrams were meant to add deeper meaning to the experience of heritage sites and monuments. The oldest surviving epigrams are inscriptions at Greek sanctuaries around 500 BC. Accordingly, the word ‘epigram’ is derived from the Greek word ἐπιγράφειν (epigraphein = to write on). Good epigrams had to be ...Read More
Storytelling and heritage.
September 14, 2022Wednesday 21 September 2022, 18:00 CEST Whether we feel we are included or have a sense of belonging, or a shared identity often results from how we relate to our surroundings, both as individuals and as groups. Heritage plays a crucial role in this; it can be used to ...Read More