On May 26-27, the long-awaited final conference of the TEHIC project took place at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden! Over two days, more than a hundred participants from Europe, Africa, and Asia gathered to discuss how to strengthen training and professionalisation in heritage interpretation, an important field for making both natural and cultural heritage meaningful, engaging, and inclusive for diverse audiences. The conference was hosted by the University of Gothenburg and organized in collaboration with the Centre for Critical Heritage Studies and the Centre for Tourism.
DAY 1: Launches, Ideas, and Excursions
Keynote Sessions highlights
- The Erasmus+ Project “Towards a Heritage Interpretation Curriculum” (TEHIC): Results and Reflections The TEHIC team presented key project outcomes, including the launch of a Best Practice Book, a comprehensive curriculum, and a free online MOOC.
- Interpreting Gothenburg: Exploring City Heritage and Shipyards Through VR: Jonas Myrstrand from Studio Jox demonstrated innovative ways to bring urban heritage to life using virtual reality.
- If It Ain’t Broken, Break It: Being Creative with Interpretation: Linn Björk, Marta Gustafsson, and Jessica Bergström from Innovatum Science Center and the Västra Götaland Region’s Cultural Administration shared inspiring examples of pushing interpretative boundaries.
Site Visit and Social Programme
In the afternoon, participants left the conference venue for a site visit to Bergsjön, a multicultural district in Gothenburg. Guided by cultural heritage researcher Anita Synnestvedt, they explored her interpretation project at a Stone Age site now used as an outdoor school area, where children can connect with the lives of children who lived there thousands of years ago. This project is also featured in the TEHIC Best Practice Handbook.
After the excursion, participants gathered for the conference dinner, which took place in a former boiler house at the Gothenburg harbour outlet, where we enjoyed a nice early summer evening together.
DAY 2: Deepening Critical Perspectives and Sharing Best Practice
Keynote Sessions highlights
- Development of Nature Interpretation in Sweden and Beyond: Reflections from 15 Years with the Swedish Centre for Nature Interpretation: Eva Sandberg (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) reflected on developments in nature interpretation and the lessons learned.
- What Museum Studies and Heritage Interpretation Studies Do (or Don’t) Have in Common: Darko Babić and Helena Stubliz (University of Zagreb) discussed overlaps and gaps between these two fields.
Parallel Sessions
Participants then engaged in four parallel streams covering seven core themes, including:
- Urban Heritage and Social Inclusion
- Youth Engagement, Education and Innovative Learning Methods
- Controversy, Negotiation and Interdisciplinary Synergies
- Community-Driven Interpretation and Local Engagement
- Decolonisation and Global Perspectives
- Heritage Interpretation in Museums
- Digital Innovations and Storytelling
In total, nearly 40 international speakers shared research, best practices, and new ideas for tackling current and future challenges in the field.
Reflections and Takeaways
Despite the busy schedule, there was plenty of space for open discussion, often during the Swedish tradition of Fika. Recognized as part of Sweden’s intangible cultural heritage, Fika is more than a coffee break; it is an opportunity to enjoy the present moment, connect and reflect. Many valuable insights emerged from these conversations and the sessions overall:
- Inclusion is vital: working with diverse places, communities, and perspectives strengthens heritage interpretation and shows its diverse application.
- Critical perspectives challenge practitioners to question established narratives, highlight underrepresented voices, and encourage dialogue on difficult topics.
- There is a need to develop shared terminology and expand the theoretical foundations of the field.
- Professionalisation and training are necessary to equip interpreters to address contemporary global challenges, from sustainability to social cohesion.
In today’s uncertain and rapidly changing world, critically engaged heritage interpretation can strengthen belonging, provoke reflection, and motivate action.
Moving Forward
The Erasmus+ TEHIC project, led by the University of Gothenburg, has laid important groundwork for advancing the field. As the conference showed, collaboration between academia and practitioners, coupled with a commitment to critical heritage perspectives, will remain crucial in shaping the the next steps for heritage interpretation in Europe and beyond.
We hope everyone left Gothenburg with fresh ideas, new connections, and renewed enthusiasm.
For more information about the Erasmus+ TEHIC project, see our website and stay connected to our social media profiles on Instagram, Facebook and X.
Susanne Fredholm and Maria Persson – Conference Committee and TEHIC Project Coordinators
