The Erasmus+ TEHIC project announces the open call for contributions to its final conference, “Training and Professionalisation in Heritage Interpretation: Challenges and Future Directions.” Organised by the University of Gothenburg and the Centre for Critical Heritage Studies in collaboration with the Centre for Tourism, the conference will take place on 26-27 May 2025. The event will explore key themes such as heritage narratives, digital innovation, community participation, and ethical considerations within heritage interpretation. Interested professionals and researchers are invited to submit abstracts by 25 November 2024.
Open Call details
Building on the Erasmus+ TEHiC project, this conference aims to advance the field of heritage interpretation by uniting diverse disciplinary perspectives. Through the exploration of international case studies and practical experiences, it seeks to shed light on the training and professionalisation of heritage interpreters. The conference will enhance our understanding of how heritage can be effectively communicated and preserved across various audiences and settings, while also examining the training required and current development of the sector and its future trajectory.
Reflecting this, the conference identifies several key themes, including but not limited to:
- Heritage Narratives and Identity: how heritage interpretation shapes and transmits cultural identities, and the role of storytelling in preserving and communicating heritage.
- Digital Innovations in Heritage Interpretation: the influence of digital tools and technologies, such as virtual reality, digital archives, and interactive media, on HI and professional development.
- Community Engagement and Participation: the involvement of local communities in heritage interpretation, emphasising collaborative approaches that empower them to tell and preserve their own stories, while fostering professional skills in community-driven projects.
- Challenges of Interpreting Intangible Heritage: the complexities of interpreting non-material heritage elements, like traditions, languages, and rituals, along with the training required for their effective preservation and communication.
- Heritage Interpretation in a Globalised Context: how global forces and cross-cultural exchanges influence heritage interpretation, and the balance between local and global narratives, with implications for the professionalisation of the field.
- Sustainability and Ethics in Heritage Interpretation: ethical issues and sustainability challenges in heritage interpretation, particularly regarding tourism and urbanisation, and the professional standards needed to navigate these concerns.
Venue: University of Gothenburg Campus and Digital Sessions.
Important dates
How to submit your abstract?
To participate in the TEHIC final conference, all submissions should be sent via email to TEHIC@gu.se by 25 November 2024.
Please ensure that your submission includes the following details:
- Title of presentation
- Abstract of max 350 words
- Name(s)
- Affiliation(s)
- Expression of interest in in-person or digital participation
For questions or further information, please contact: TEHIC@gu.se
