Heritage has entered new domains nationally and internationally, and issues pertaining to museum practice, policy, ethics, transformation, accessibility, etc feature increasingly on agendas all over the world. Here in South Africa, museum workers are confronted with these challenges on a regular basis and are required to formulate new and innovative strategies in thinking about future developments. Issues around the manner in which our diverse and collective heritage is researched, collated and interpreted have been subjected to much scrutiny and debate as such matters impact directly on how museums conduct their undertakings.

The impetus for this Conference theme stems from the recognition that clear and defined objectives need to be set out in order for the 'silent giant' of the title to harness its collective might and become a force in national and global initiatives. The Conference aims to provide a platform for museum staff, together with other stakeholders such as tourism authorities, academics, arts and culture organisations, communities and policy makers to discuss issues and stimulate dialogue about devising new and alternative directions for museum operations. The categories that have been formulated represent some of the key areas of current debate within the sector. (It is compulsory that all speakers submit a copy of their paper in advance of their presentation for publication purposes):

Critically Engaging Indigenous Knowledge Systems - a focal area of interest within many sectors, including government. The recognition that traditional communities are potential repositories and sources of knowledge, skill and expertise have had numerous ramifications. Issues relating to definition, access, usage, legality, ethics and procedure should be debated by the heritage sector which is a major stakeholder in this area.

Beyond Boundaries: Strategies for Outreach, Networking and Partnership Programmes - increasingly, museums are being called upon to establish partnerships with local communities, private sector, NGOs, etc. Many institutions are already undertaking such initiatives and are invited to present initiatives or proposals for the creation of successful and workable partnership programmes

Intangible Heritage: Challenges and Opportunities for the Museum Community - Festivals, rituals and celebrations are a hallmark of South African society. There is worldwide recognition that these dynamic and diverse traditions are an important component of people's heritage. How are museums meeting the challenge of documentation, research and interpretation?

Interpretations, Representation and Public Interface - Here, the material output and visible products, such as exhibitions, displays, publications, etc should be examined in order to assess their value and impact for museum audiences. Questions such as: “To what extent do exhibitions confirm or challenge stereotypes?” could be addressed here.

Maximizing the Growth Potential of Cultural Industries and Heritage Tourism - The opportunities presented by the growth and interest in the tourist industry holds immense possibilities for museums to market themselves as major tourist attractions. Strategies and possible models for exploiting this potential are invited.

Novice Speakers: Facing up to the Giant - Museum workers who have been in employment for two years or less are invited to contribute to the Novice Speakers Section by presenting a paper at the Conference on their experiences at their particular museum or on any aspect of museum in which they have been involved. The papers should be not more than 10 minutes.

Museology and the Implementation of Museum Policy and Practice - Heritage Legislation and national framework and the implications for the Heritage sector.

Revisiting the Transformation Agenda: An Assessment - Transformation has been a topic of discussion for some time in post-apartheid South Africa. What forms have the processes taken and what is the impact on museums? The approach here should be a critical retrospective of the processes of change.

Globalisation: Mapping the Terrain for Heritage Agendas - The theme for International Museum's Day in 2002 is Museums and Globalisation and it is clear that there needs to be more debate on the effects of this new world environment on the heritage community. There are positive spin-offs as well as pitfalls and both angles should be explored.

The Conference fee will be approximately R600. A 10% discount will apply to SAMA members. The fee will cover the cost of conference materials, teas and lunches and the conference dinner. Daily rates will apply at R150 for SAMA members and R180 for non-SAMA members. Accommodation and transport are available.

More information from Sibongiseni Mkhize or Lorelle Royeppen at the Local History Museums on 031 311-2239 or 031 311-2235. Fax: 031 311-2224.