This conference is a collaboration between the University of Antwerp, the University of Helsinki and FARO, the Flemish Institution for Cultural Heritage. Together, we explore the role of emotions in museums and heritage institutions, bringing together scholars, heritage professionals, and cultural organisations to deepen our understanding of emotional labor in heritage work.The Touching Collections project, based at the University of Helsinki and funded by the Kone Foundation, critically examines how museum collections act as emotional arenas, shaping both professional practices and visitor experiences. By partnering with the University of Antwerp and FARO, this conference aims to bridge research and practice, fostering dialogue on how emotions influence decision-making, heritage interpretation, and audience engagement. Through this collaboration, we strive to create an international network of scholars and professionals dedicated to making heritage processes more transparent, inclusive, and emotionally aware.
Organising committee
- Suzie Thomas, University of Antwerp, Professor Heritage Studies
- Gerrit Verhoeven, University of Antwerp, Assistant Professor Heritage Studies
- Ulrike Müller, University of Antwerp, Assistant Professor Heritage Studies
- Hélène Verreyke, University of Antwerp, Assistant Professor Heritage and Museum Studies
- Pia Olsson, University of Helsinki, Professor European Ethnology
- Anna Rauhala, University of Helsinki, University lecturer in Ethnology
- Inkeri Hakamies, University of Helsinki, Senior researcher in Ethnology
- Johanna Pohtinen, University of Helsinki, Researcher in Ethnology
- Olga Van Oost, VUB/FARO, Lecturer/Director Flemish Institution for cultural heritage
- Doris Blancquaert, University of Antwerp/Ghent University PhD, researcher
- Marc Jacobs, University of Antwerp/VUB, Professor Heritage Studies
