A new attire for heritage: Possibilities and values of live interpretation in cultural and natural heritage
Trakošćan Castle / 8–9 November 2025
This year’s Forum aims to raise awareness among a wide range of stakeholders working at heritage sites and in collaboration with visitors and communities – from museums and interpretation/visitor centres to protected natural areas – about the opportunities and value of live interpretation of heritage and its implementation in a broader context.
By focusing on the skills, methods and tools of live interpretation, the Forum will provide space for a deeper understanding of this approach which goes beyond simple costumed guiding and emphasises authentic heritage revival through historical characters and content bearers, within the complete context of the time, place and values they represent.
The Forum seeks to demonstrate that live interpretation is not merely personal performance in the role of a historical figure. It transforms museums, as well as natural and cultural heritage sites, into spatiotemporal frameworks of a revived past, allowing visitors to interact with historical experiences in a pseudo-authentic yet meaningful and carefully thought-out, fact-based form.
Our keynote speakers, distinguished experts with decades of international practice, will share the challenges and insights of contemporary paradigms, standards and potentials of live interpretation while breaking down entrenched prejudices and stereotypes. Their perspectives will also open up questions of planning, preparation and implementation of live interpretation as a strategic interpretive method for both cultural and natural heritage.
The Forum will be particularly valuable for those who:
- seek ways to strengthen the emotional connection between heritage users and sites/stories through interpretive methods and tools,
- design performative or participatory experiences for visitors,
- develop interpretive plans, tours and educational programmes,
- wish to integrate live interpretation into tourism offerings in an authentic and sustainable way,
- want to follow new trends in digitisation, including VR/AR formats and the potential of artificial intelligence in developing characters, scenarios and personalised interpretations.
Forum Objectives
- Raise awareness among and empower heritage stakeholders working with visitors and communities about the potential of live interpretation as a method for authentic and engaging mediation of cultural and natural heritage.
- Provide expert knowledge and inspiration on current practices, quality standards and frameworks of live interpretation.
- Break stereotypes of live interpretation as merely costumed performance, promoting a thoughtful, contextual and content-based approach that can also be applied to natural heritage.
- Connect live interpretation with interpretive planning and writing.
- Explore the potential of live interpretation, particularly in shaping differentiated, experiential, and sustainable cultural and creative tourism offers.
- Present contemporary trends, including the application of digital and hybrid formats (e.g. VR/AR) and the role of artificial intelligence in developing interpretive content.
- Encourage the exchange of examples and experiences among professionals, foster networking and develop a community of practice in the field of live interpretation in Croatia and beyond.
Forum programme
DAY 1 – Saturday, 8.11
09:00-09:30 Participant registration
09:30-10:15 Opening of NFIB 2025: A New Attire for Heritage
- Irina Ban, Coordinator of Interpret Europe Croatia: Welcome address
- Helena Vičić, Director of Interpret Europe
- Goranka Horjan, Trakošćan Castle: Interpretation with Purpose
10:15-11:15 Mark Wallis, Honorary Guest: Who do you think you are?
Mark’s talk explores how costumed live interpretation can bring lasting benefits to sites using this popular approach – and what can go wrong. Luckily, after nearly 50 years in this exciting field, he will share plenty of useful advice.
(This part of the programme will be held in English.)
Coffee break
11:45-13:30 Heritage in the First Person – Panel presentations and discussion
Selected panellists with rich project experience will demonstrate the wide application of costumed interpretation. Topics will include: quality standards of live interpretation, its impact on site experience and heritage valorisation, digital revival of historical figures, live interpretation of intangible heritage and visitor responses.
Panellists:
Aleksandra Berberih Slana: Zagreb City Museum; Ana Cerovac, writer and experience creator; Anita Katalinić, Providenca; Kristijan Kaurić, Brojka Creative Productions; Turopolje Museum: Perunfest
Moderator: Iva Silla
Lunch
15:00-17:00 Guided tour of Trakošćan Castle with interpretive surprises
Coffee break
17:40-19:15 A New Attire for Heritage – Panel presentations and discussion
Panellists will present projects that have recognized new opportunities in live interpretation and applied Interpret Europe methodology in the valorisation of heritage sites.
Panellists: Nives Cetina, Kaštel Morosini – Grimani; Renata Tešija, Dalmatia Storytelling Destination; Marjeta Trkman Kravar, Maria Theresa; Ramska Story
Moderator: Manuela Hrvatin
Dinner
Social evening: Heritage Pub Quiz
A popular pub quiz format will be dressed in heritage attire for a playful end to the day. Sponsors from among Interpret Europe members have prepared prizes for the best! In fact, there will be enough prizes for everyone – because what matters is participation.
Networking with DJ Simon M
DAY 2 – Sunday, 9.11
09:00-11:30 Heritage Practicum: Workshops
Experience a taste of training dedicated to live interpretation or Interpret Europe’s courses for guides and interpretive writers or try out skills useful for presenting heritage and educational activities at heritage sites – such as improvisation, acting techniques, or storytelling.
Number of participants per workshop is limited, but there will be enough places for all Forum participants. Workshop registration will be available on 8 November at Trakošćan Castle, with each person able to attend only one workshop.
Workshop leaders: Petra B. Blašković, artist; Iva Čaleta Pleša, Interpret Europe trainer; Katarina Fruk, social pedagogue; Ivana Jagić Boljat, Interpret Europe trainer; Iva Silla, Interpret Europe trainer; Samia Zitouni, Interpret Europe trainer; Dijana Zorić, Storytelling Academy
Coffee break
12:00-12:45 “Nujlijepši kemauček svieto” – Destination Potential of Trakošćan and Bednja
Trakošćan Castle surprises with events and projects and the surroundings are equally exciting. Experience creators will present innovative projects in the destination.
Moderator: Luka Jakopčić
Lunch
14:00-15:30 Interpretive Mosaic – Panel presentations and discussion
Presentations and dialogue with panellists will showcase the role of interpretation in tourism, culture, education, and art. We will learn about DUBoak as a model of excellent management of an interpretation centre, the activities of the association of interpretation centres, experiences from Macedonia, and how to get involved in the work of Interpret Europe.
Panellists: Vasilka Dimitrovska, Storytelling Macedonia; Siniša Golub, Croatian Network of Interpretation Centres; Toni Kraljić, DUBoak; Andrijana Milisavljević, Interpret Europe
Moderator: Irina Ban
15:30 Forum conclusion. Thanks to participants.
16:00-17:00 Heritage Idea Hive
If you don’t manage to exchange experiences and contacts with everyone during the Forum, here is the chance to catch up. Short, moderated meetings may lead to new heritage collaborations – which we will be presenting at the next Forum.
ATTENTION! Call to Interpret Europe Members
Would you like to share your projects with Forum participants?
During conference breaks, projects of Interpret Europe members and Forum visitors will be displayed on a video wall. Choose one of your projects – preferably one that includes live interpretation – prepare a representative slide (photo or collage) and add a short text or QR code linking to a detailed project description.
Registration form: https://forms.gle/1rfoEzH12smquWyg6
