In the framework of its regular free webinar series, the Network of European Museum Organisations (NEMO) will host a webinar entitled "From mines to mind-maps: A dialogue-based approach to museum planning at Spaç Prison" on Monday 25 June. The webinar is facilitated by Jonathan Eaton and Mirian Billaci. The webinar explores a dialogue-based approach to museum planning at sites associated with difficult pasts. At this webinar, participants will be able to learn different methods for building dialogue on difficult pasts and engaging diverse stakeholders in order to unlock the potential for such sites to promote human rights, civil responsibility and democratic ideals. In particular, the session will follow the ongoing work of the non-profit organization Cultural Heritage without Borders–Albania at a former political prison and forced labour camp in north-central Albania called Spaç. Beyond all of the managerial and conservation issues related to developing this site, Spaç Prison challenges what it means to ‘establish’ a museum. In an unstable climate, where the future of the site is not ensured, the underlying processes of heritage and museum-making must be shaped by dialogue, engagement and openness. As Spaç shows, a dialogue-based approach is a necessary precursor for an established and successful future museum at the site.

About the facilitators

Jonathan Eaton works as programme officer at Cultural Heritage without Borders Albania. He applies his education in history and anthropology to his work by focusing on the interpretation and engagement aspects of cultural heritage – connecting people, place, history and memory and encouraging people to embrace heritage as an essential and active part of their life, because our heritage is who we are. Mirian Bllaci is an urban planner and cultural heritage manager, currently working as a programme  manager at CHwB Albania. He has developed strong interest and skills in designing and implementing activities aimed at strengthening the ties between people and heritage and at connecting between peoples. He is very active in the ongoing efforts to save and promote Spaç Prison as a Place of Dialogue and Action.

Further information and registration

Registration for the webinar "From mines to mind-maps: A dialogue-based approach to museum planning at Spaç Prison" is free and should be completed by 22 June at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSei-M7b8OpVskc-A21Bz4VdjO39gZanBZGPfpf4fXoew-T-RQ/viewform For additional information about the webinar, please visit http://www.ne-mo.org/our-actions/trainings/webinars.html