Come to Portugal in April to discuss what the Faro Convention means for heritage interpretation and how we can contribute to its implementation.
Faro, at the very Southwestern edge of the continent, is the right place to reflect on a theme which we consider of central importance for the future of Europe in challenging times of rapid change.
It was here where the Council of Europe launched the ‘Faro Convention’ in 2005, embarking on a transformative journey towards more democratic, people-centred, and value-based practices in dealing with Europe’s heritage. Today, the Council of Europe’s Faro Convention is more relevant than ever for all heritage – cultural and natural.
The Faro spirit provokes the entire heritage sector to re-assess its basic assumptions and practices and it provides guidance to lead the sector into a new era.
It can inspire all professionally involved in heritage interpretation, including
- those working on the ground as front-line heritage interpreters, as interpretive writers or interpretive planners, or as interpretive agents and mediators, as well as others working in the field of heritage education,
- those engaged in professional development as trainers, teachers or researchers related to heritage interpretation, and
- those who govern or influence the framework conditions for heritage interpretation as site managers or as policy makers at local, regional, national or international level.
Heritage interpretation in the Faro spirit can become a catalyst for societies that seek unity in diversity. We can empower people, communities and societies to establish common ground while embracing diversity by engaging them in fruitful reflections about the past that matter for the present and future.
The Algarve – so much more than a tourist destination
The whole region has been shaped throughout history by the succession and coexistence of diverse cultures and religions arriving by land and sea. It can look back on a turbulent past and it displays traces of these events everywhere.
There is the old town of Faro with a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets lined with seventeenth- and eighteenth-century houses and its Gothic cathedral where you find many traces of its history and feel the spirit of the city’s eventful past.
Not quite as old is the Club Farense, a renowned place where, over cigars, gentlemen once debated world events and ladies met for more than card games. This is the unique setting for our next Interpret Europe conference in April 2026.
Founded over 150 years ago, the Club Farense in Faro hasn’t lost its special atmosphere even after so many decades. Every room tells its stories and transports visitors to times long past. We can immerse ourselves in this world and fill the rooms with our stories and contributions. While the club is usually reserved for its members, on weekends you can experience just about anything related to art and culture there – from all kinds of music to readings, theatre and shows.
And it will be at the heart of our conference!
Exploring the region
Our study tours will take us to places where we dive deep into the heart of heritage, both natural and cultural, tangible and intangible. Each tour will reveal unique stories and connections that tie individuals to their homeland, illuminating the dedication of those committed to preserving and sharing these treasures with both locals and visitors alike. Details of the study tours and more about the region we will be visiting will be announced on the website and in the next newsletter.
If you’re an early bird, you’ll be able to start your day with an exhilarating birdwatching tour in Ria Formosa at sunrise, providing a breathtaking start to your day before the conference day begins.
Your contribution
Our conferences depend on your contributions. We’re sure many of you have ideas and experiences connected to the theme which you’d like to share with others, and we look forward to a diverse range of sessions and workshops.
The call for papers will be open in October so keep an eye open for information coming on that.
Our 2026 conference will be organised in partnership with Sciaena, a non-governmental organisation that works towards a healthy marine environment through the promotion of sustainable ways of exploitation, the involvement of the population and political intervention.
Make sure you join us in April 2026 at the Algarve and be inspired by the light of Faro!
Want to know more? Take a look at the conference website: www.interpreteuropeconference.net.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me at: bettina.lehnes@interpret-europe.net
