Interpret Europe conferences attract delegates from as many as 40 countries with up to 200 attendees, all of whom share a dedication to support local people and visitors in their search for meaning in heritage. Besides seminal keynote speeches and study visits to remarkable heritage sites, IE conferences benefit from up to 50 presentations and interactive workshops delivered by invited speakers and those attending.

We now call for proposals for papers and workshops that discuss practical examples or theoretical aspects related to the conference theme. This encompasses a wide range of possible topics. The following list will inspire your thinking and help you to come up with your own pertinent ideas:

Let’s share good practice and lessons to learn from various case-studies, e.g.

• of using fictional heroes for interpretive stories: is there a difference between interpretation for children (e.g. ‘Ben the bear’ type of stories) and for adults?
• of interpreting controversial personalities who are admired as heroes by one group and considered villains by others
• of re-interpreting earlier heroes in the light of shifting values and priorities, or of deconstructing and dismantling ‘heroes’ of the past

Let’s consider the balance between, or even a shift from, idealisation to critical approach?

• How do we navigate among the tensions between interpretive idealisation and critical deconstruction, between fact and myth?
• What is the role of ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’ for identification and moral orientation in complex societies, and what follows for value-based interpretation?
• How can we discern proper use from abuse of captivating characters? Are there differences between interpretation of nature and interpretation of cultural and historical heritage?
• Are heritage interpreters morally obliged to confront positive ‘hero’ and negative ‘villain’ stereotypes?
• To what extent is it problematic to work with heroes? What opportunities do they offer to encourage critical reflection?
• What about personalisation through anti-heroes instead of heroes?
• What are the responsibilities of heritage interpreters towards biographical narratives?

Let’s talk about the diversity of meanings associated with ‘hero,’ ‘anti-hero’ and ‘villain’ in different interpretive settings and different cultures. What kind of deeds and traits make someone a ‘hero’? Is a ‘hero’…

• an iconic figure who made a positive impact on the common cause of a group, a community, a nation?
• someone who has tried to make a difference, perhaps failed, but still tried something selflessly?
• a silent and forgotten hero? A heroes of everyday life who doesn’t have a famous name?
• always an unselfish, ‘good’ person?
• always an outstanding person?

Finally, let’s find a way of dealing with values and meanings that resonate with interpretive stories that are created around a hero-protagonist.

• Are we as interpreters always aware of the implicit values conveyed by ‘hero-villain’ plots?
• Could thoughtless interpretations inadvertently strengthen anti-democratic values or exclusionary attitudes?
• How can we interpret aspects of historical people’s lives that may trigger critical reflection about human value priorities without misrepresenting those people and keeping their dignity?
• What is the role of ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’ for identification and moral orientation in complex societies, and what follows for value-based interpretation?

Apart from dealing with the main conference theme, we also welcome contributions that aim to advance theory and practice of heritage interpretation as a professional discipline.