The aim of the ICOMOS International Committee on Interpretation and Presentation (ICIP) is to define the basic objectives and principles of site interpretation and presentation in relation to techniques and application of technologies, authenticity, intellectual integrity, social responsibility, and respect for cultural significance and context.  The Committee recognizes that the interpretation of cultural heritage sites can be contentious and should acknowledge conflicting perspectives, and their open and honest recognition can enrich contemporary reflections about the significance of heritage.

The need for a Committee whose main interests are interpretation and presentation has become clear in recent years, as regional governments, municipalities, tourist authorities, private firms, and international organizations have become increasingly concerned with the importance of communicating heritage values and information to the general public, investing in expensive and technologically advanced presentation systems as a spur to tourist development. Yet while other ICOMOS International Scientific Committee are dedicated to   the quality of the conservation of the physical fabric of ancient monuments and sites, to issues of documentation and to the broader field of cultural tourism and site management this Committee will concentrate on the methods and basic principles of public interpretation that would be applicable to all categories of heritage sites.

• To facilitate understanding and appreciation of cultural heritage sites and foster public awareness of the need for their conservation.
• To communicate the meaning of cultural heritage sites through careful, documented recognition of their significance, including their tangible and intangible values, natural and cultural setting, social context, and physical fabric.
• To encourage respect of the authenticity of cultural heritage sites, by protecting their natural and cultural values and significant fabric from the adverse impact of physical alterations or intrusive interpretive infrastructure.
• To ensure inclusiveness in the interpretation of cultural heritage sites, by fostering the productive involvement of all stakeholders and associated communities in the development and implementation of interpretive programs.
• To develop technical and professional standards for heritage interpretation, including technologies, research, and training.

These fundamental objectives will be the focus of discussion and other activities in the Committee.  By approaching the topic of interpretation from many geographic, cultural and professional directions, we believe that the interpretation of heritage sites may significantly contribute to their sustainable conservation.

icip.icomos.org

Work Programme

The following major areas of Interpretation where clarification and consensus are needed, and to which special attention should be devoted, will become the focus of the Committee’s work in the coming three years:

• Effectively incorporating stakeholder perceptions and values in interpretation programmes
• Examining the potential role of interpretation in highlighting ethnic and cultural diversity as an integral element of world heritage
• Additional research and discussion on the concept of “authenticity”  in order to define its nature and role in heritage interpretation
• Further analysis in terms of establishing acceptable boundaries and better guidance, in interpretation of religious and sacred sites, places of contested significance, and sites of conscience or “painful memory”
• Continuing dialogue and analysis of how heritage site categories and the circumstances that surround them should influence the decision to interpret as well as the level of interpretation
• Guiding the evolution of an ICOMOS document on heritage interpretation and presentation

The specific activities of the Committee in furtherance of the basic study of interpretation methods and philosophies will include:

• Sponsorship of international workshops and  colloquia on Interpretation
• Establishment of international and regional intern and training activities in the field of Interpretation
• Joint site visits and assessment studies at ongoing heritage conservation/projects    throughout  the world
• The publication of scholarly studies on interpretation  in the form of workshop proceedings, monographs and conferences volumes 
• The formulation and publication of operational guidelines on interpretation standards and procedures for communities and heritage professionals.

The Secretariat of the Committee is maintained at:

Ename Center for Public Archaeology and Heritage Presentation
Abdijstraat 13-15
B-9700 Oudenaarde
Belgium
tel   + 32 55 30 03 44
fax   + 32 55 30 35 19

For more information about officers, membership, and committee activities,
visit the ICIP website: http://icip.icomos.org
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