The great varieties of existing landscapes combining nature and nurture in the differing regions of the world are expressions of long and intimate relationships between people and

their natural environment. Barbara Bender has noted that landscapes are often thought of either in terms of “landform”, as something already in place, or of “land-use”, meaning whatever is done to the land. This can suggest that a landscape is neutral and passive. A landscape is, however, never passive. As Bender has pointed out, people engage with it, appropriate and contest it. It influences the way in which individual, group or nation-state identities are created and disputed.

 

 

The concept of “land-use” thus implies the influence of a human agency on a landscape. This is also shown in the definition of “cultural landscape” adopted by UNESCO’s World Heritage

Center covering a wide range of expressions about the interaction between humans and their natural environment. Cultural landscapes can reflect specific forms of land usage or represent unique spiritual relationships between humans and nature. Their infinite variety affirms not only humankind’s creative talents and social development, but also its imaginative and spiritual vitality. However, the infinite variety of cultural and physical landscapes does not also equal spatial infinity. Landscapes will always have boundaries, whether these are political, mental or geographical. The ultimate geographical boundary is the horizon. The horizon, that is, the apparent line separating the earth from the sky, limits the range of

vision, the field of view, the vista perceived by human eyes. Defined metaphorically, it can also indicate the limit of human experience or mental vision about countries, people and

history. Conversely, the horizon can serve as a boundary or a barrier to be expanded,broadened or even exploded. It can thus allow for the opening up of such boundaries and horizons beyond previous human experience, and even beyond previous museological experience. This may feel threatening but should rather be seen as an opportunity for growth.

 

 

In addressing the topic of “MUSEUMS, LANDSCAPES, AND HORIZONS – – UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU HAVE, KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, SEE WHERE YOU‘RE GOING”, we invite presentations that can reflect on the considerations discussed above or on the following questions:

· How can museums incorporate the concept of cultural landscapes and their horizons in their work and exhibitions?

· How can museums interpret their cultural and physical landscapes and their communities in a way that allows for expansion beyond self-imposed horizons?