IHT has contracted Origin Studios, with offices based in Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto to develop the Interpretive Plan for the NIHC. Interpretive planning in a museum setting is process that determines the most relevant and impactful ways to communicate content and stories while making intellectual and emotional connections between visitors and the objects being displayed. The process is essential to establishing engaging experiences and includes written, auditory, digital, analogue, and visual representations of information.
A meaningful interpretive plan allows for learning in a variety of ways and provides a dynamic visitor experience. Visitors leave understanding the ‘Big Idea’ and take away some of the ‘Expected Learning Outcomes’ while having had an enjoyable, fun, reflective, and inspiring visit.
The NIHC Interpretive Plan will outline the overall approach to exhibition planning with a focus on themes and storylines for the long-term gallery exhibition, it will offer recommendations regarding temporary and travelling exhibitions, visitor exploration opportunities in the IQ Lab, interactive and hands-on activities for the Children’s Discovery Gallery, and an engaging approach to The Nattinnak showcase. Interpretation will support activations in the lobby, in workshops, and for outdoor activities.
Interpretive planners take on the role of visitor advocate, working to ensure inclusivity and accessibility at a variety of levels for all audiences and learning styles. There are limitless opportunities for experiences to be supported by interpretation at the NIHC as we are striving to make even non-traditional spaces, like the café, washrooms, and back of house, engaging for visitors and staff.
To create an effective interpretive plan, it is vital for communities across Nunavut to be included in the planning of the NIHC. Origin Studios’ approach will be to listen and learn from community members through a combination of direct community outreach and consultation as well as remote outreach programs. We’ll be meeting with advisors, committee members, and stakeholders throughout the process and at key strategic moments to deliver reports on outcomes. First voices will be amplified rather than interpreted and the Origin team will be guided by an Inuk curatorial advisor throughout the process.
Exhibitions and Programs Committee Members
The Interpretive Plan itself is being developed through IQ Principles: Decision making through discussion and consensus; and Working together for a common cause