We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for our 2026 Summer Field Schools in Greece. This year’s programmes bring together community focused heritage practice, advanced digital documentation, and hands-on field experience. Both summer schools offer updated structures for 2026, including more flexible online learning, expanded field components, and a strong emphasis on collaboration, critical thinking, and practical application.

Engaging Communities in Cultural Heritage

Dates: 08 to 28 June 2026
Hybrid Programme: Online and Paros, Greece
Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
Deadline for Greek Living Heritage Network applicants: TBC

This programme explores how cultural heritage professionals can work with communities in meaningful, responsible, and sustainable ways. The online opening week introduces key concepts, participatory methods, community empowerment, and ethical engagement. The two-week in-person phase on Paros brings these ideas to life through field visits, workshops, and collaboration with local stakeholders. Participants gain valuable skills in communication, facilitation, co-creation, and community driven heritage interpretation, making this course ideal for practitioners, students, and researchers seeking a grounded approach to engagement.

Programme Structure

8 to 14 June: Online training programme

15 to 28 June: Field School in Paros, Greece

Read more and apply here. 

Digital Tools for Cultural Heritage Management

Dates: 24 April to 18 June 2026
Hybrid Programme: Online and Nafplio and Tolo, Greece
Application Deadline: 13 April 2026

The 2026 edition introduces a redesigned and extended online training format based on participant feedback and evolving professional needs. The new structure provides more time between online sessions to process material and practise techniques, more time between the online period and the field school to support preparation, no conventional lectures with trainers instead acting as supervisors and consultants, and a more on-demand and flexible learning model rather than a strict schedule.

Programme Structure

24 April to 2 June: Online training programme
24 April to 15 May: Cartography using GIS (Online)
19 to 29 May: Photogrammetry and Image Based 3D Modelling (Online)
7 to 18 June: Field School in Nafplio and Tolo (In person), featuring photogrammetry, image based 3D modelling, and terrestrial laser scanning

This hybrid model allows participants to build skills steadily online before applying them intensively in the field school.

Read more and apply here. 

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The AHEAD project concluded its journey with a dynamic final multiplier event in Brussels on October 13th, 2025, bringing together cultural professionals, researchers, and policymakers to explore how co-creation and audience-centered approaches can shape a more inclusive and innovative future for the cultural heritage sector.

“HERITAGE is proud to be a part of the AHEAD project, working to give Cultural Heritage Professionals the tools and methods to use design thinking to co-create new experiences with their target audiences and develop new audiences for their institutions,” said Roula Gkika, the organization’s AHEAD project manager.

Hosted at BeCentral, the event, titled “AHEAD in Brussels: Co-creation Tools for Cultural Heritage”, offered an engaging afternoon of presentations, discussions, and collaboration. Gilles Pellayo, representing the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), addressed participants, highlighting the project’s contribution to EU priorities in culture, participation, and capacity building.

Participants heard from AHEAD partners including the Archaeological Park of Ostia Antica, the National Museum and Research Center of Altamira, and the Archaeological Museum of Messara, alongside artists, researchers, and cultural managers who have co-developed and tested AHEAD’s participatory tools across Europe.

Through a series of interactive sessions, from a “World Café” on capacity building, innovation, and sustainability to collaborative discussions on turning project learnings into practical, long-term tools, attendees exchanged ideas and charted new paths for audience engagement and institutional change.

The event closed with reflections and a networking reception that celebrated the project’s achievements and the strong partnerships forged throughout its implementation.

Funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, AHEAD has aimed to enhance the capacity of cultural heritage institutions through a participatory audience development model. Over the past two years, the project has developed co-creation frameworks and practical toolkits that empower museums and cultural organizations to engage their audiences as active partners in heritage interpretation and innovation.

HERITΛGE run the AHEAD Greek hub in the Archaeological Museum of Messara in Crete and contributed to the project’s capacity building, community engagement and communications work.

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In August 2025, Lahore hosted two events that celebrated Pakistan’s rich heritage and explored innovative approaches to its preservation with the participation of our Preservation of Buddhist Rock Reliefs in the Swat Valley project.

At the British Council Library in Lahore, school students from across the city took part in an interactive session designed to introduce them to the Gandhara civilisation and its artistic legacy. Organised under the project “Preservation of the Buddhist Rock Reliefs in the Swat Valley: Digital Documentation, First-Aid Conservation, and Climate Change Adaptation,” the initiative forms part of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) and was implemented in collaboration with national and international partners, including the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Italian Archaeological Mission to Pakistan, The Heritage Management Organization, and Essanoor Associates.

During the session, students engaged in creative workshops that encouraged exploration of heritage, history, and environmental awareness. They painted tote bags inspired by Gandharan motifs and crafted clay replicas of artefacts. The programme successfully combined artistic expression with educational enrichment, fostering both appreciation and curiosity for cultural preservation. 

On the same day, the Lahore Museum hosted an International Panel Discussion entitled “The Future Museum: Technology, Heritage Conservation, and Inclusive Innovation.” The event was supported by ICOM, UNESCO, Essanoor Associates, the Heritage Management Organization, and the Tourism, Archaeology and Museum Department, and featured experts including Dr. Cristina Mengazzi (UNESCO), Alberto Garlandini (ICOM Foundation), Ar. Kashif Essa, and Malik Magsood, with moderation by Zainab Sabri, the Museum Education Officer. The panel examined the evolving role of museums, highlighting how technological advancements, innovative curation strategies, and inclusive practices can make cultural institutions more accessible and sustainable. Discussions also addressed local challenges and opportunities, bridging international perspectives with Pakistan’s heritage context. Th recording is available on Lahore Museum’s Facebook page. 

Both were fantastic initiatives which illustrated Lahore’s multi-faceted approach to cultural engagement, demonstrating how hands-on educational programmes for young learners can complement professional dialogues on innovation and preservation.

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The first week of the programme involved online teaching where participants were introduced to the ideas of engaging communities. Then, from June 23rd to July 6th, participants travelled to the Island of Paros where they were able to further explore what they had learned. Here is a look back at how it went.

Day 1: Mapping First Impressions
The in-person programme began in Paroikia, the island’s capital. After an introductory session, participants stepped out to create personal maps of the area using their senses as guides. In a group discussion, they shared first impressions and identified key questions to explore in the days ahead.

In the evening, the group travelled to Aliki to join the Klidonas midsummer festival. Music, dancing and lively conversation provided a first opportunity to connect with the local community and one another.

Day 2: Sensing the Island
Participants deepened their exploration by tuning into the sensory dimensions of Paroikia, focusing on its sounds, smells, textures and colours. Later, they collaborated on a collective mental map that reflected both individual and shared perspectives.

The day ended with a welcome dinner by the coast, accompanied by traditional music and conversation.

Day 3: Observation and Oral History Skills
Having become more familiar with the environment, participants focused on specific locations of interest, blending observation with active participation.

A hands on session introduced tools and techniques for conducting oral history interviews, with a focus on audio and video recording.

Day 4: Learning from the Locals
The group met with Spyros Mitrogiannis, a leading figure in local cultural work, who guided a visit to the Institute for Archaeology of Paros and the Cyclades. He shared insights into the cultural, environmental and political landscape of the island.

In the afternoon, participants examined themes such as ancient quarrying, fishing traditions and contemporary religious practices, laying the groundwork for their field research.

Day 5: Stories from Afar and At Home
Two guest speakers enriched the day’s programme. In the morning, Traci Kawai presented the Fisher Child project from Cape Town, a VR and AR exploration of sea, memory and healing.

In the evening, Katerina Konstantinou shared her research on folklore and local material culture, examining how heirlooms and souvenirs shape participatory documentation.

Between sessions, teams continued developing interview guides in preparation for community engagement.

Day 7: Walking the Paths of Heritage
In northern Paros, participants met Malatestas, President of Paros Park, who spoke about the challenges of heritage management and local involvement. A walk through the park’s trails highlighted the close ties between landscape and culture.

The day concluded with a beautiful sunset watched from the beach.

Day 8: Festivals and Tourism
The day focused on festivals as expressions of identity. Vicky Papadimitriou shared her experience with local, regional and national events, while Tim Healing offered case studies on community tourism and sustainability, prompting thoughtful discussion on responsible development.

Participants also used the day to refine their ongoing projects.

Day 9: Stories Set in Stone
The morning opened with discussions about interviews already carried out, ranging from fishing traditions to quarrying and religious offerings.

In the evening, Spyros Mitrogiannis led a visit to the Ancient Marble Quarries at Marathi, offering historical context and highlighting present day challenges around preservation.

Day 10: Visual Identity and Storytelling
Participants continued reviewing interview materials and shaping their group projects. In the afternoon, Irene Biza led a session on design and identity, exploring how visuals influence perceptions of place.

The day concluded with a screening of Yorgos of Kedros, a documentary that sparked reflection on storytelling and self representation.

Days 11 and 12: Final Preparations and Reflections
As the public presentations approached, teams worked to analyse ethnographic data and create podcasts, videos and visual materials.

Participants also attended a lecture by visual artist Natassa Biza, who offered new insights into ancient spolia around Paroikia, challenging conventional perceptions of historical remnants.

The final day was dedicated to collaboration, as teams prepared their presentations to the local communities and reflected on their shared journey.

Online Conference and Presentation 

The field school concluded with the Online Engaging Communities Conference on Sunday, July 6th, where participants shared their insights and creative outputs with an international audience. This event was exclusively available to our trainees and alumni and included presentations and insights from the Summer Field School Alumni who shared their current research projects, sparking an engaging session enriched with thoughtful discussions and commentary.

Following the conclusion of the Conference, the trainees organized a presentation of their work that was open to the public and was widely attended. The presentation took place in the Dimitrokopoulos Building in Paroikia, with the kind support of the Municipality of Paros.  During this second part of the evening, participants had the opportunity to share insights from our two weeks of fieldwork with attendees interested in their work.

“After days filled with collective challenges and individual discoveries, often marked by the initial confusion that is so characteristic of ethnographic research, this final presentation felt like both a validation of our efforts and an affirmation of our growing professional identities,” reflects trainee Claudia Valisano. “Beyond that, the event also had the potential to spark fresh interest among local residents in the island they call home, renewing awareness both for them and for us. Once all speeches were delivered and questions from the audience were addressed, guests were invited to enjoy food and drinks on the building’s beautiful terrace.”

You can find out more about our Summer School programmes and future dates here.

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Over three days, participants explored key concepts such as vision and mission setting, stakeholder engagement, SMART objectives, and the role of values in strategy. They learned to use practical tools including SWOT and PESTEL analysis to assess internal and external environments, and examined the differences between planned and emergent strategies.

Working in teams, participants applied these concepts to four real projects: digitising rural culture in South Africa, preserving traditional African sports and games, creating a youth heritage club in Uganda, and documenting a historic monastery collection in Ethiopia. These case studies encouraged collaborative learning and practical application.

The second day featured a guest lecture by Debashish Nayak, a leading architect and heritage expert, who shared insights from over three decades of work on urban conservation in India. His talk highlighted the importance of community involvement and education in heritage preservation, drawing on his experience leading Ahmedabad to become India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City.

The course leader really articulated everything till I really understood and I appreciate his patience through out. [The course will help me to] strategic plan and execute our vision and mission and align them.

~Paidamoyo Mandizvidza, Deputy Director Digital Content and Multimedia Broadcasting at African Traditional Sports and Games Confederation

The final day focused on competitive advantage, strategic implementation, and evaluation. Participants discussed how to align resources with organisational goals and studied cases from institutions such as the British Museum and Cirque du Soleil. They also explored the use of feasibility studies and business plans to support strategic initiatives.

The workshop was a great success, equipping participants with practical tools and strategic insights tailored to the needs of the heritage sector. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value of real case studies, expert guidance, and peer learning.

For more information about HERITΛGE’s workshops, go to our open courses page, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter / X, LinkedIn or Instagram.

Countries represented: Czech Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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From 19 to 21 May 2025, HERITΛGE hosted an online workshop on communication strategy and strategic marketing for cultural heritage professionals in Rwanda. The workshop formed part of HerMaP Africa, an initiative supported by the Mellon Foundation.

Led by media professional Derwin Johnson, the training brought together 15 heritage and tourism practitioners from across Rwanda to strengthen communication practices, improve audience engagement, and support the long-term sustainability of their institutions.

Participants represented ten organisations involved in cultural preservation and tourism, including Shalom Safaris Rwanda, Red Rocks Rwanda, Ubumuntu Arts Organisation, and others.* The workshop created an opportunity for professionals to share experiences and gain practical knowledge in areas relevant to their work.

“Time keeping, interactive, appropriate to our environment and sectors, with a nice mood and feeling – the live session felt as if it was on site.”

Esi Chantal Umuraza – Art & Travel Ltd – Founder

Over three days, the group explored a range of topics related to communication planning and outreach. The first day focused on storytelling techniques and media writing. Participants worked on developing clear and compelling messages for different audiences, including journalists and the general public.

The second day covered digital communication, with an emphasis on social media strategies. Sessions addressed how organisations can use various platforms to reach wider audiences, plan and manage content, and evaluate the effectiveness of their online communication efforts.

“I mostly like how our invigilator communicated on time. The instructor helped us during this course. He’s very professional in terms of providing learning methodology, and we wish we could have more days, as the more we get deep, the more we like and become familiar with the course.”

Jean Aime Nisingizwe – Shalom Safaris Rwanda – Chief of operations officer

The final day dealt with communication during times of crisis. Participants learned how to prepare for and respond to difficult situations in a clear and professional manner. A practical simulation, including a mock interview and press conference, gave participants the chance to apply these skills in a realistic scenario.

The workshop was designed to be interactive and practical, with small group activities and hands-on exercises throughout. Project Manager Eirini Oikonomidi said “I really enjoyed the interaction among the participants, both with each other and with the trainer. The group exercises were very effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.”

For more information about HERITΛGE’s workshops, go to our open courses page, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter / X, LinkedIn or Instagram.  

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By Maria Kagkelidou

As cultural heritage institutions around the world grapple with the task of preserving our past, an exciting opportunity is emerging: technology. From virtual reality (VR) tours and augmented reality (AR) displays to artificial intelligence (AI) and haptic feedback, the tools available to make heritage more engaging and accessible are growing at a rapid pace. At the heart of this shift lies the potential to not only enhance visitor experiences but also address longstanding challenges such as accessibility and audience engagement.

As a participant in the SHIFT project, I’ve had the privilege of analyzing key survey results from both cultural heritage professionals and the general public. These surveys highlight the promise of new technologies, but they also underline the barriers that remain—barriers that need to be tackled to truly realize the potential of technology in the cultural sector.

The Promise of Digital Technologies

The results from our SHIFT survey of cultural heritage professionals reveal that many institutions are embracing technologies like AI, VR, and AR to increase their appeal and accessibility. With these tools, institutions are transforming the traditional museum visit into a dynamic, interactive experience. Visitors can now walk through virtual reconstructions of ancient civilizations, experience interactive 3D models of priceless artifacts, or participate in immersive educational games.

The general public survey, also part of the SHIFT initiative, further confirms this shift. When asked what would make them more likely to visit museums and cultural sites, a significant majority of younger respondents (aged 18–34) said that interactive, technology-driven experiences such as VR or AR would encourage them to engage more with cultural heritage. These technologies can bridge the gap between a traditional, static experience and a more dynamic, immersive one that speaks to today’s digital-native generations.

For institutions, the opportunity to create more inclusive spaces is equally promising. Through AI-powered accessibility tools such as text-to-speech for visually impaired visitors or haptic technologies that allow users to “feel” digital representations of artifacts, museums are making their collections available to broader audiences. These technologies, which were once considered futuristic, are now seen as essential for enhancing the inclusivity of cultural institutions.

Barriers to Widespread Adoption

Despite the optimism around digital transformation, the SHIFT surveys also shed light on the significant barriers preventing more widespread use of technology within cultural heritage institutions. Budget constraints were the most frequently cited challenge, with 57% of respondents reporting that limited financial resources were a key obstacle to adopting new technologies. Initial costs, as well as the need for ongoing maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, are particularly burdensome for smaller institutions.

In addition to financial concerns, lack of technical expertise remains a crucial barrier. Many institutions report that they simply do not have the in-house capabilities to implement or maintain advanced digital tools. This challenge is especially evident in smaller, less resourced institutions, which often do not have dedicated IT departments or staff with specialized training in digital tools.

There is also a degree of institutional inertia. The cultural sector can be slow to change, with some professionals expressing concern that technology might undermine the authenticity of cultural experiences. The survey results showed that about 33% of respondents felt that the introduction of advanced technologies might detract from the physical connection to artifacts or undermine the traditional, “hands-on” museum experience that many visitors still value.

Opportunities for Change

Despite these barriers, the SHIFT project continues to push forward with the belief that technology can be an enabler, not a disruptor, of cultural heritage. To address these challenges, the survey results suggest that there are several actions we can take to help institutions embrace digital transformation more effectively:

1. Increased Funding Support: Public and private funding needs to be expanded, especially for smaller institutions. This can include targeted subsidies or shared funding models to make technology adoption more affordable.
2. Training and Capacity Building: Cultural heritage professionals must be equipped with the technical skills to successfully implement and use these technologies. The SHIFT project has already initiated training programs aimed at increasing digital literacy within the sector.
3. Collaborative Efforts: Cross-institutional collaboration should be encouraged to share resources, knowledge, and digital tools. This can be particularly helpful for smaller institutions that may lack the financial or technical means to go it alone.
4. Inclusive Design: As the SHIFT surveys showed, the desire for inclusive experiences is high, and digital tools are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of diverse audiences. Institutions must continue to prioritize accessibility—from providing virtual tours for those unable to travel to offering multisensory experiences for people with disabilities.
   

A Bright Future for Cultural Heritage

The SHIFT project is driven by the ambition to make cultural heritage more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all. The survey findings clearly show that while the appetite for technology is strong, the sector must work together to break down the barriers preventing its wider adoption. Through collaboration, investment, and training, the cultural heritage sector can harness the power of technology to create richer, more inclusive experiences that will attract new audiences and better preserve our shared history for generations to come.

The road ahead may be challenging, but the potential is undeniable. As institutions continue to embrace digital transformation, the future of cultural heritage looks not just more interactive and inclusive, but more dynamic and engaging than ever before.

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Photo: Manor Magazine

18 Heritage professionals from 13 countries joined us for the online workshop ‘Organising Temporary Exhibitions from your Collections and Touring Strategies’. The programme was led by Sophia Handaka, Co-Founder and Host of the CoMuseum International Conference and Curator of World Cultures at the Benaki Museum, Dr Evangelos Kyriakidis, Director of the Heritage Management Organization, and Dana Andrew, an independent museum consultant specialising in touring exhibitions and international projects.

Dr Kyriakidis opened the workshop with a discussion on the values that shape cultural institutions and how exhibitions can fulfil their missions. Participants reflected on their organisation’s purpose, the types of exhibitions that align with that purpose, and the impact of local, national, and international partnerships. Sophia Handaka then led a session on exhibition creation strategies, focusing on the practical aspects of planning and developing engaging exhibitions. She emphasised the role of storytelling, interpretation, and the importance of accessibility to ensure exhibitions cater to all audiences.

I have gained valuable networks that I plan on utilizing to get advice and feedback on how to refine my exhibition to make it more successful.

Priscilla Mungoma,  Head of Commission for Museum Development Creative at Institution of Umukuuka Inzu Ya Masaaba

The second day featured guest speakers who shared their curatorial experiences. Alison Moloney presented her Fashion Accounts exhibition, which explored memory, resistance, and colonial legacies through clothing. Eileen Musundi from the National Museums of Kenya introduced the Kanga Stories travelling exhibition, which celebrates the cultural significance of Kanga cloth from Eastern Africa, demonstrating the power of community collaboration in exhibition design.

On the final day, Dana Andrew focused on strategies for touring exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. She highlighted the importance of aligning a touring strategy with an institution’s overall mission and shared case studies from the V&A Museum and other UK institutions. Andrew also stressed the importance of integrating evaluation into the early stages of exhibition planning to ensure long-term success and impact.

I really enjoyed how the course connected theory with practical experience. It was great to work on real-world projects, and I learned a lot through collaboration with workshop-mates.

Peter Jegede, Curator at On Your Mark

The workshop provided participants with valuable insights and practical tools to enhance their exhibition projects. “I’ve gained valuable insights on the best practices on curating a temporary exhibition. I have ained Knowledge from experts. U have gained valuable networks that I plan on utilising to get advice and feedback on how to refine my exhibition to make it more successful,” said Pricilla Mungoma, Head of  Commission for Museum Development at Institution of Umukuuka Inzu Ya Masaaba.

The workshops also emphasised the need for strategic planning, creative storytelling, and effective audience engagement, and elicited enthusiasm from participants. “I really enjoyed how the course connected theory with practical experience. It was great to work on real-world projects, and I learned a lot through collaboration with workshop-mates,” said Peter Jegede, Curator at On Your Mark. “Participating in this course will help me apply new ideas and techniques to my projects, especially in curating and exhibition planning. I’ll be able to approach my work with a broader perspective, improve my skills, and create more impactful and engaging exhibitions.”

To read more about our upcoming workshops, click here. 

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From 28^th to 30^th March HERITΛGE welcomed 23 heritage professionals from 15 countries across four continents to the Successful Fundraising for Heritage Managers: Strategies and Best Practices online workshop. Over three days, participants explored practical strategies to strengthen fundraising for cultural heritage projects.

The workshop was led by fundraising expert, Linda C. Hartley, principal of H2Growth Strategies, and Sue Divine, a nonprofit leader with decades of experience working with organisations including the American Friends of the Louvre and the British Museum. Together, they provided participants with practical strategies and real-world insights into fundraising within the cultural sector.

Through this course, I learned about new information and online resources that we can utilize for effective fundraising. This stood out for me. My project will definitely benefit from new skills and resources for fundraising, thus will be positioned to mobilize more resources for activities implementation.

Didas Mwachila Mzirai, CEO at Mucho Mangoes Farmers CBO

The workshop began with a pitching exercise, where participants presented their projects in three minutes, having prepared in advance with a video on pitching techniques. They voted for the most compelling projects, which were later used in simulation activities. Participants then explored fundraising fundamentals and best practices through lectures and group storytelling. Linda introduced key concepts such as donor trends and long-term engagement, while Sue emphasised crafting impact-driven cases for support. Examples from Uganda and Ukraine highlighted the real-world relevance of these principles.

On the second day, selected participants presented their full cases for support, featuring projects from Italy, India, Ukraine, and Uganda. These presentations received detailed feedback from both peers and instructors. Sue then introduced donor research techniques, and participants used GrantStation to identify prospects and begin drafting a Letter of Inquiry.

This course will significantly enhance the strategic development and impact of my project. The opportunity to learn best practices, network with like-minded professionals, and receive expert feedback directly informed the design and sustainability of my current and future programs. What I appreciated most was the balance between practical tools and reflective discussions. The course not only provided frameworks that I can immediately apply to my work but also created a safe space to exchange ideas, challenges, and solutions with peers from diverse backgrounds.

Iryna Shevchuk, CEO at NGO Nachynnya

The final day focused on donor engagement and solicitation. Participants were offered guidance on preparing for donor meetings, followed by a simulation activity where participants role-played funding pitches. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session and participants were presented with their final task; composing a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which could be sent directly to a prospect of their choosing after review.

The blend of expert advice, feedback, and collaboration made for a highlight successful workshop, and by the end, the group had sharpened their fundraising skills and built a strong network of peers.

To read more about our upcoming workshops, click here. 

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22 participants joined us in March for the Communication Strategy and Strategic Marketing for Cultural Organizations training programme. The course was led by Derwin Johnson, an independent senior communication consultant with more than 30 years experience as a journalist, communication executive and educator. Derwin guided participants through the three day course which covered crafting effective communication messages, developing communication toolkits, managing media relations, and conducting crisis simulations.

Day one kicked off with a comprehensive introduction to content management. The instructor outlined key objectives such as crafting impactful messages, managing media relations, and preparing for crisis communication. Participants explored their organisations’ core identities, drafted mission statements, and developed key messages. Through presentations and personalised feedback, they learned how to tailor their communication to resonate with target audiences.

The most compelling aspect of this Heritage Communication course was its emphasis on the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage and modern communication strategies. The course effectively bridged theoretical foundations with practical applications, highlighting the role of digital media, community engagement, and policy frameworks in preserving and promoting heritage.

~Mohammad Idrees Tahiri,  PM Senior Conservation Architect at Turquoise Mountain

On day two, the focus shifted to storytelling and media engagement. Participants were instructed how to think like journalists, considering news angles, timing, and audience relevance. They practised pitching stories via simulated phone calls, received guidance on writing letters to the editor, and explored traditional and digital PR tactics. The session concluded with the creation of communication maps to guide audience engagement across a range of platforms. 

The final day concentrated on crisis communication. Participants learned how to respond effectively under pressure, developing clear, key messages reinforced by strong evidence. A crisis simulation exercise brought the theory to life, as teams navigated a mock media storm, fielding questions from the instructor in the role of journalist. The recorded sessions provided valuable feedback, strengthening their confidence and strategic thinking.

The instructor made the content easy to digest and online learning (over the weekend) manageable. 

~Martha Mosha, Research assistant at Commission for Archaeology of Non European Cultures KAAK

The level of engagement throughout the workshop was excellent and it was great to see the enthusiasm displayed by participants. We look forward to seeing how these skills are put to use in heritage organisations throughout Africa, Asia and Europe.*

Read more about our upcoming workshops here.

*Afghanistan, Albania, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, Iraq, Italy, Lesotho, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom

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