What Is Interpretation?

IA believes that interpretation enriches our lives through engaging emotions, enhancing experiences and deepening the understanding of places, people, events and objects from the past and present. Interpretation communicates ideas, information and knowledge in a way which helps people to make sense of their environment.

IA aims to support interpreters Australia-wide in the practice and delivery of interpretation.

Interpretation communicates ideas, information and knowledge about locations, the natural world or historic places in a way which helps visitors to make sense of their environment. Good interpretation will create engaging, unique and meaningful experiences for visitors.

Interpretation takes many forms including guided walks, talks, drama, art, sculpture, displays, signs, brochures and electronic media as well as any other way in which ideas can be communicated.

Good interpretation should:

• enrich the visitor’s experience by making it more meaningful and enjoyable;
• assist the visitor to develop a keener awareness, appreciation and understanding of the heritage being experienced;
• accomplish management objectives by encouraging thoughtful use of the resource by the visitor; and
• promote public understanding of heritage management organisations and their programs.

To hear more about the value of interpretation – follow this link.