FROM THE PRESIDENT
Embracing the Technologies of the Next Generation of Cultural Storytellers
In Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, cultural storytellers wear a Foo Dog costume to evoke emotions and provoke thought. Photo by Vlad Vasnetsov.
In the whirlwind of today’s world, the stories of our past and our shared natural resources bind us and guide us. Interpretation isn't just about safeguarding old artifacts and stories; it's about evolving their meaning to fit into the understanding of the present and resonate with the future. In our rapidly evolving world, preserving and interpreting our cultural heritage remains a cornerstone of societal identity and continuity. Interpretation is not just about preserving the past; it is about making that past relevant to the present and future generations. This is why it is critical to nurture a new generation of cultural storytellers who are equipped to carry forward this tradition in innovative ways.
As we look towards the future, there is a pressing need to provide space and support for new interpreters. Now more than ever, we need to open the floor to the emerging voices in cultural storytelling. These new interpreters come with fresh eyes and diverse perspectives that can revitalize traditional narratives, making them more relevant to today’s society. This shift is crucial as it ensures that interpretation does not become stagnant but evolves with societal changes.
Today’s interpreters aren’t just looking for facts and figures; they seek connection, relevance, and engagement. They want tools that let them weave stories in ways that resonate across various media and reach audiences wherever they are. They also crave support and space to experiment and innovate. The field of interpretation must evolve, offering platforms and resources that allow these storytellers to thrive and experiment. They need a community that isn’t just about preservation but is also about progressive interpretation.
Virtual reality (VR) and other technologies can bring new dimensions to interpretation, as seen here with this VR user. Photo by Vanessa Loring.
New Ways of Interpretation
The landscape of interpretation is changing, driven by technological advancements and shifting cultural paradigms. There are several innovative approaches that new generations are pioneering:
- The Digital Renaissance in Storytelling
Imagine stepping back in time to the bustling streets of ancient Rome or watching dinosaurs move past you on an open field, all from the comfort of your living room. That’s the power of digital storytelling through virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).
These technologies are revolutionizing how we connect with the past. They allow us to live the stories we've only read about, offering a deeply personal and immersive experience. This isn't just about watching history unfold; it’s about stepping into it, interacting with it, and understanding it on a visceral level. For the digital generation, these technologies are a game-changer, making history not only more accessible but also incredibly engaging, transforming ancient tales into vivid, personal experiences that resonate across ages.
- Museums as Interactive Playgrounds
Gone are the days when visiting a museum was a passive experience, walking quietly from one exhibit to another. Today's museums are vibrant, interactive playgrounds where resources and culture are not just displayed but experienced. Touch screens, reenactments, and interactive guides transform visitors into active participants. You can simulate ancient crafts, vote on historical decisions, or engage in a digital safari.
This hands-on approach makes the museum visit more enjoyable and enriches the learning experience, helping visitors of all ages forge a deeper, more meaningful connection with the cultures and epochs that shaped our world.
Community-based storytelling, like this gathering in Denver, Colorado, empowers community members to share their unique, essential stories.. Photo by Dani Hart.
- Harnessing Social Media for Heritage
In a world where a single viral video can reach millions overnight, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become powerful tools for cultural storytelling. Interpreters are using these platforms to share engaging, bite-sized content, reaching out to a global audience that might never visit a traditional museum.
A captivating sixty-second story about a natural resource or a beautifully curated Instagram gallery of historical artifacts can ignite a spark of interest in many minds, encouraging them to explore further and learn more. This approach democratizes access to information, breaking down geographical and economic barriers and connecting a global audience to narratives from around the world.
- Community-Based Storytelling: Voices from the Heart
There's something profoundly powerful about hearing a story from someone who has lived it. Community-based storytelling taps into this power by putting the microphone back into the hands of local communities. This method is not just about preserving culture; it's about empowering people to tell their own stories in their own words.
Whether it’s through local history projects, storytelling festivals, or oral history recordings, this approach ensures that diverse voices are heard and respected. It's an empowering way to preserve and celebrate unique cultural identities, ensuring that they are passed onto future generations not as distant tales but as personal, lived experiences.
- Art as a Bridge to the Past
Imagine walking down a street lined with murals that tell the story of the neighborhood, or watching a dance performance that illustrates a historical event. This is the essence of using art to interpret and communicate. Across the globe, new generations of artists are using their crafts—be it street art, installations, dance, or theater—to bring narratives to life in new and exciting ways.
These artistic interpretations do more than convey facts; they evoke emotions and provoke thought, making resources palpable and relatable. Particularly for audiences who might find traditional methods a bit dry, these artistic renditions can provide a visceral connection to interpretive messages, making programs feel immediate and relevant.
As seen here in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, interpreters use smartphones—a computer and camera in your pocket!—to bring historic sites to life for global audiences.. Photo by Athena Sandrini.
Each of these innovative approaches shares a common goal: to make interpretation a living, breathing part of our daily lives, inviting us to explore, understand, and value our rich, shared past in a multitude of new and exciting ways.
As we continue to navigate the complexities of a globalized society, it is imperative that we remain open to the evolving nature of interpretation. By supporting and creating space for new cultural storytellers, we not only preserve our historical legacies but also ensure that they remain vibrant and significant. Encouraging these new approaches will allow interpretation to continue to enrich our lives, providing a link between the past, present, and future.
The task ahead is to embrace change and innovation while respecting the essence of our shared histories, ensuring that they remain a living, dynamic part of our societies.
Hands-on, interactive museum experiences spark engagement for all visitors, including this young scientist-in-training. Photo by Dominika Roseclay.
