Crossing borders will be the topic of our IE Spring Event which will be organised by SIMID, Czech Association for Heritage Interpretation, from 19-21 May in Prague. We are now calling for papers for workshops and presentations to fill this subject with life.

Across the continent, heritage interpretation enjoys varying degrees of recognition as a profession. In order to increase the quality and impact of our work, we are striving to enhance cooperation and cross the borders that divide us.

The Spring Event will include:

  • study visits in Prague to discuss heritage interpretation on site
  • speeches, such as the keynote of the UNESCO Chair of Museology and World Heritage
  • workshops and presentations in parallel sessions
  • an open Market of Ideas.

Furthermore, our IE Training Team will introduce small ‘tasters’ of IE’s training programme, including modules that already run as well as previews of those being prepared for the immediate future.

Crossing borders could be a vast field and so we have decided to ask for abstracts focusing on two subjects:

  1. Turning challenges into opportunities: Heritage interpretation in Eastern Europe
    New exhibitions, museums and visitor centres are developed in Eastern Europe. What opportunities for exchange does this offer, from diverse philosophies behind communication and grant programmes to the transfer of money and know-how between different parts of Europe? Practitioners are welcome and we will also be discussing business opportunities.
  2. Striving for excellence: Heritage interpretation in higher education
    At European universities, heritage interpretation as a separate degree course is still the exception. What difference does it make for course content and research, where interpretation is situated? How about the quality of teaching and cooperation of institutions? What linkages are there between practitioners and higher education?  

Please have a look at our Call for Papers for more information about these requests.

Proposals for abstracts are due by 28 February 2017. You can find all necessary specifications for submitting an abstract in our online submission form.  Abstracts will be assessed by a committee and proposers will receive feedback by 15 March 2017. Online proceedings will be ready for the event; full papers to be included as part of the proceedings need to be delivered by 15 April 2017.

We are looking forward to your proposals.

Thorsten Ludwig
Managing Director