Heritage together
In these uncertain times, cultural heritage sites could do a lot worse than invest in membership of an umbrella organisation. This article focuses on the Association for Heritage Interpretation, but other organisations we are in contact with are listed at the bottom.
There are several benefits to membership: for a relatively small sum, you can advertise your business via their website – absolutely vital for sites who are needing to rethink their marketing strategy in COVID times. You can also therefore see other business that support cultural heritage sites, such as design or communication agencies specialising in this area.
There is also access to free or reduced-fee courses, such as Heritage Interpretation Online starting in November. Applications can be made via this link.
The AHI produces a regular journal of news articles; a complimentary example journal can be viewed here. Recent articles include research into training needs for interpretation staff and a toolkit for open spaces.
Above all, in these uncertain times, it is reassuring to know that so many are in the same boat and at the same time, take hope from the many creative ways that people are finding to move forwards in this crisis.
On the other side of the Channel, one of the most inspiring organisations to be found is Club Innovation & Culture France. The site has numerous ideas on how places in France are reinterpreting culture in the light of COVID. Even for non-French speakers, images such as the one below mean that inspiration can be found here.
Other UK sources of information that we are finding useful at this time include:
https://www.theheritagealliance.org.uk/
https://www.visitbritain.com/gb/en
https://advisor.museumsandheritage.com/
https://charitydigital.org.uk/
http://www.interpret-europe.net/feet/home/