Horizon Europe Framework Programme
October 12, 2023The window is open 4 October until 7 February 2024 for Research and innovation on cultural heritage and CCIs. The European Union should endeavour to use its cultural and creative assets to better assert its influence around the world. The arts can play an important role on building the contemporary ...Read More
New publication: The Art and Science of Food Experience
October 12, 2023This new book (in Croatian: Znanost i umjetnost doživljaja hrane) satisfies a hunger to highlight gastronomic heritage interpretation techniques. This new book will surely pique your interest and ignite your passion for the science of food! It is with great pleasure that we announce the release of a cutting-edge ...Read More
Taking time for local cultural heritage
October 12, 2023It’s nice to travel and explore new places, but equally good to remind ourselves sometimes what is already under our own feet. Summer is often a good time to explore, with some spare time and usually nice weather. Before autumn took a hold of the land, I took time ...Read More
Former school transformed into climate and environment hub
October 12, 2023An Irish Group Water Scheme is challenging and supporting the next generation: Can interpretation change attitudes and inspire positive action This story started back in 2005 when the forward-thinking management of the Tydavnet Group Water Scheme in County Monaghan, Ireland, hatched a plan to invest in the next generation ...Read More
Interpreting Italy
October 12, 2023A pilot project exploring strengths and challenges of heritage interpretation practice in the country. Heritage interpretation is being increasingly recognised worldwide as a crucial practice for effective heritage management, sustainability and impact. However, in some countries, heritage management systems still struggle to fully integrate interpretation in the heritage work practice ...Read More
Examining the Future
October 12, 2023Looking at the building blocks of the past, present and future of an Irish town through Lego – inviting input from children and adults alike. In September, I attended a truly inspiring event in the town of Drogheda in Co Louth, Ireland, as part of Irish Heritage Week. Set in the ...Read More
Unlocking Europe’s heritage: European Heritage Days & HAEMUS initiatives
October 12, 2023European Heritage Days (EHD) showcased the evolving landscape of heritage interpretation, highlighting its significance for our sustainable future. In Skopje, North Macedonia, a series of events underscored this pivotal role during the European Heritage Days (EHD) and signaled a new era of accessibility for both professionals and the general public ...Read More
What will IE look like in 2030?
October 11, 2023IE’s SC invites members to take part in looking to the future of IE and informing the next five-year strategic plan. If this question is important to you, and you want to contribute to IE’s plans for the next five years, come and dream with us and ...Read More
Interpretive planners, heads up!
October 11, 2023We follow the call of our members that want to connect, cooperate and exchange with other members dealing with interpretive planning. For some years, various interpretive planners, consultants, architects, curators, designers, and other related experts, regardless of how their business is constituted, have been expressing the need to be connected ...Read More
Towards 21st century guidelines for the development of interpretive strategies
October 11, 2023As we develop value-based heritage interpretation and learning landscapes, we now discuss the importance of interpretive strategies. An interpretive strategy aims to connect different heritage sites within a city or region in terms of heritage interpretation. It may also refer to one larger protected area (biosphere reserve, historic city ...Read More
Interpreting our museums
October 11, 2023A beautiful venue and warm atmosphere – perfect circumstances for talking about interpretation in the Józef Piłsudski Museum in Sulejówek. On 22-23 September, passionate interpreters and museum professionals met in Sulejówek, near Warsaw, Poland, to discuss how heritage interpretation can help museums. Some of the guests joined us online, including ...Read More
Are heritage experts challenged?
October 11, 2023About what is discussed at the European stage and what is the future role of interpretation. These lines contain some thoughts about the questions and concerns related to the most recent developments in heritage that started occupying my head after the two most recent events I was invited to as ...Read More
#iecon24: Save the date!
July 19, 2023Block 21-24 March 2024 in your calendar for the Interpret Europe conference, Sustainability: Challenging mindsets through heritage interpretation. There is hardly any layer in our societal tissue that is not concerned by the serious situation that we are currently facing. Mainstream politics advocate more sustainable growth, since any solution ...Read More
iecon23: Proceedings
July 19, 2023The conference proceedings from the IE conference 2023 in Romania are now available online. If you would like to spend your summer reading time discovering more detail from some of the presentations you attended at iecon23, or if you missed the gathering in Romania and would like to know some ...Read More
Erasmus+
July 19, 2023It’s always worth checking the Erasmus+ website for the latest calls and opportunities. Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe, with an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green ...Read More
European Heritage Alliance roundup
July 19, 2023A summary of the top news stories from our colleagues in the EHA. Laptops for Ukraine initiative extended to help museums and libraries safeguard cultural heritage [European Commission / Europeana Foundation] Laptops for Ukraine is an initiative by the European Commission, the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation and Digital Europe, a ...Read More
Manual for sustainability of cultural heritage
July 18, 2023A new book launched in Croatian for professionals and enthusiasts. We are excited to share some remarkable news with you! It is with great pleasure and excitement that we announce the release of a highly anticipated book, which we believe will captivate the hearts and minds of professionals and enthusiasts ...Read More
Culture and democracy – The evidence
July 18, 2023A new report from the European Commission supports IE’s beliefs on the importance of participatory, value-based interpretation. On 23 June, the European Commission published a report on how citizen participation in cultural activities enhances civic engagement, democracy and social cohesion. In the run-up to the European elections ...Read More
The ‘Calécc’ of the Valli del Bitto
July 18, 2023In the ‘Valli del Bitto’ a traditional way of producing an excellent cheese survives, compelling wise use of local environmental resources. Hikers walking the paths of the so-called ‘Valli del Bitto’ (five valleys that originate from the harsh peaks of the Pizzo dei Tre Signori – Monte Ponteranica ...Read More
Kunstuur – An extraordinary exhibition in Mechelen
July 18, 2023Did you ever cry looking at a painting? Here’s some reflections on the Kunstuur, record-breaking arts exhibition in Belgium. Inviting her to Mechelen We had the pleasure to meet in Mechelen this Spring, Helena and I. For me it was a throw back to 2016 when we organised ...Read More
Eastern Serbia on a roll
July 18, 2023CIG and Eastern Serbia – The magic is mutual A rare and exciting sight happened in the first days of June in the Serbian town of Zaječar. The first group of Interpret Europe’s Certified Interpretive Guides (CIG) in the country received their certificates, while, at the same time, the second ...Read More
New perspectives
July 18, 2023The Interpret Europe Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) course may tell you where to look, but not what to see. A brief: Turning things upside down to get a better perspective of our heritage is always a good idea! How breaking the old patterns of thought, though difficult, can lead to ...Read More
CIG gives a fresh perspective
July 18, 2023In the picturesque city of Lipik, interactive learning and encouraging collaborative work gave a fresh perspective on familiar landmarks. The IE Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) course held in May 2023 in the eastern Croatian city of Lipik was organised through the Terme Lipik integrated project for the development and revitalisation ...Read More
Phenomena created friendships
July 18, 2023Acquiring knowledge for interpretive guides in the city of fairy tales also encouraged the creation of friendships. In Ogulin, a fairytale town in the heart of Croatia, a group of hard-working, enthusiastic and cheerful people gathered in March for IE’s Certified Interpretative Guide (CIG) course. The course leaders ...Read More
Heritage interpretation is not a fairy tale
July 18, 2023For a Polish group of museum employees, heritage interpretation is no longer a fairy tale as they joined an IE course in Ogulin. March was an exceptional month for the team of the Józef Piłsudski Museum in Sulejówek in many respects. One was certainly the opportunity to go to Ogulin ...Read More
New digital library
July 18, 2023IE’s Research Team has been busy behind the scenes and is ready to launch the new IE Digital Library. Are you a trainer in need of more in-depth information to use in your courses? Do you need solid references to strengthen your project proposals? Would you like to ...Read More
Are we all tourism experts?
July 18, 2023Smart tourism cultivated by smart interpretive approach – Getting the balance right: expectations, meaningful experiences and respect for locals. As tourists and locals, our diverse experiences shape the tapestry of smart tourism, fostering a nice balance, enriching visitor experiences and empowering communities. So, are we all experts in tourism? Absolutely! While ...Read More
Reflections on the future of heritage interpretation
July 18, 2023Attending iecon23 in Romania gave a chance to reflect on personal and professional experiences and the future role of interpreters. Between 12-15 May 2023, I participated for the first time in an Interpret Europe conference. The event was of particular importance for me for three reasons: As an emerging ...Read More
Time Stand Still
July 18, 2023It’s tough for people to consider the past, present and future when attitudes to change are so tied to emotions. Let’s explore some thoughts. How would you feel if a long-established, family-run shop in your high street closed for the last time or if an ...Read More
The discovery of slowness
July 18, 2023Taking time to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. Could travel to IE conferences be even more enriching as well as more sustainable? ‘The discovery of slowness’ is a 1980s novel by Sten Nadolny. It is woven around the (rather fictional) attitude to life of the 19th century ...Read More
IE interpretive planners network
July 17, 2023IE is calling for interpretive planners. Members with related background and experiences are also welcome to join the network. As heritage interpretation is increasingly becoming a recognised approach to non-formal learning in Europe, so is interpretive planning becoming a sought-after service. IE’s goal is to promote and ...Read More
IE Webinar: How do we, interpreters, prepare for the future?
April 26, 20232 May 2023 at 10:30 CEST Very often we hear the question: ‘How do we prepare our kids for the future?’ Is it only our kids that we need to prepare, or is it also us as individuals and as professionals? As heritage interpreters, it is crucial to remain ...Read More
Raising donations for our friends in Ukraine
April 21, 2023In the face of conflict, we believe interpretation can help sow the seeds for a better future. Prepare the seedbed by joining our crowdfunding campaign! Day after day, people in Ukraine are suffering from war. A crime of aggression, that many thought was unimaginable in today’s Europe, is shaking ...Read More
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