Open Call for Heritage Professionals Participatory Heritage Interpretation Training (Online)

How we interpret heritage shapes the communities we build. The way we connect with heritage — and with each other — shapes how stories are told, whose voices are heard, and how communities engage with their past, present and future. EMPATHS invites you to explore how participatory heritage interpretation can transform your professional practice and create more inclusive, meaningful and collaborative heritage experiences.

Programme Overview

  • 6 live online training sessions Interactive and practice-based learning
  • Group discussions and breakout activities
  • Reflection exercises and peer exchange
  • Application of participatory methods
  • Access to materials via online platform​

GREECE

Phase I: Online training programme

Phase II (separate application): Participants who successfully complete the online training will be invited to apply for the Interpretive Community Lab, a 5-day in-person co-creation workshop (31 August – 4 September 2026) at the Ethnological Museum of Thrace. The Lab will be facilitated by the piloting partners and will involve collaboration with local communities.

A limited number of participants will be selected through a second call.

ITALY

Phase I: Online training programme

Phase II (separate application): Participants who successfully complete the online training will be invited to apply for the Interpretive Community Lab, a 5-day in-person co-creation workshop taking place in September 2026 at the Archaeological Park of Campi Flegrei.The Lab will be facilitated by the piloting partners and will involve collaboration with local communities.

A limited number of participants will be selected through a second call.

AUSTRIA & SLOVENIA

Phase I: Online training programme

Phase II (separate application): Participants who successfully complete the online training will be invited to apply for the Interpretive Community Lab, a 5-day in-person co-creation workshop taking place 7–11 September 2026 at the Karawanken-Karavanke UNESCO Global Geopark.The Lab will be facilitated by the piloting partners and will involve collaboration with local communities.

A limited number of participants will be selected through a second call.

Training Format

  • 6 live online training sessions Interactive and practice-based learning
  • Group discussions and breakout activities
  • Reflection exercises and peer exchange
  • Application of participatory methods
  • Access to materials via online platform​

Eligibility

This programme is designed for professionals who work with heritage and communities, including:

  • Museum professionals
  • Cultural heritage practitioners
  • NGO and civil society actors
  • Local authorities
  • Tourism professionals
  • Educators and facilitators

Benefits

  • Practical participatory skills
  • Facilitation competences
  • Real-life co-creation experience
  • Certificate of participation
  • Access to a European network

Commitment

Participants are expected to:

  • Attend all sessions
  • Actively participate
  • Complete the training without absences

Apply now!

Select the hub you want to apply to.
Each hub includes online training and the possibility to join an in-person Community Lab.

Apply for GREECE
Apply for ITALY
Apply for AUSTRIA & SLOVENIA

What Comes Next: Interpretive Community Labs

Participants who successfully complete the online training will be eligible to apply for the Interpretive Community Lab (IC Lab).

These are 5-day in-person co-creation labs, where participants will:

  • Work with local communities
  • Apply participatory methods in real contexts
  • Co-create heritage interpretation outcomes


Each hub will host its own IC Lab.
Maximum 10 participants per hub.

Participation offers immersive, practice-based learning.
Participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.