AHI Journal Volume 27, Number 2, Winter 2022

In this edition, News & Views brings together latest news, opinion pieces and research from academics, Fellows of the AHI and across the globe. AHI Fellow David Masters shares some thought-provoking ideas and invites discussion on what it means to be a heritage interpreter (My view), Philip Ryland investigates what visitors want from a visitor centre (Bitesize), and Charlotte Dew brings us a review of an arresting and important exhibition at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo (Global view).

In the Focus section, we go to the Midlands to hear from Borderland Voices, an art-for-mental health organisation using reminiscence and archival material about the Women’s Land Army for creative inspiration and wellbeing, while Ian Francis shares Birmingham’s long and rich cinematic history, including the cultural and social role that cinemas played in South Asian communities (Wonderland reflections). As Coventry finishes its year as the UK’s third UK City of Culture (2021), Nicolette Evans examines the strategies behind their successful bid for the title, its legacy and lessons learnt, and shares some thought-provoking interpretation blending the city’s ancient and modern cultural history.

In Practice shares best practice, knowledge and skills and encourages opportunities for debate and interaction. In this edition, we hear from a Victorian garden cemetery in Reading, where new technologies have brought new audiences to a beautiful and tranquil space (Digital). Dirk Bennett argues that less is more in Debate, and the Toolkit feature takes us through the AHI’s Code of Ethics. We meet the wonderfully creative and thoughtful Romilly Swann (In conversation with…), and Steve Slack discusses how we might persuade audiences to change their behaviour by interpreting with intent (Connection).