As September draws to a close, I have been reflecting on the remarkable enthusiasm that the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) inspire across our region each year.
It is always one of the busiest weekends for Te Arawhata and another reminder that the Avesnois and the wider Nord region are home to a wonderfully diverse cultural landscape.
Whether through history, art, architecture, music, nature, or local traditions, there is a wealth of experiences available on our doorstep and plenty to see if you’re visiting the region from afar.
The success of Heritage Days demonstrates not only the quality of these offerings but also the attachment that local communities have to preserving and sharing them.
The theme of learning and discovery has also been significant for me personally this month. I recently had the privilege of attending the Oxford Cultural Leaders programme in the United Kingdom, joining professionals from around the world to reflect on the opportunities and challenges facing our sector.
One of the programme’s recurring themes was the importance of cultural institutions remaining deeply connected to their communities while continuing to find new ways to engage future generations.
Closer to home, the Te Arawhata team attended the annual Colporteurs event – an opportunity to present the museum’s education offer to teachers from across the region.
Once again, the breadth of activities available to local young people highlighted the richness of our region and the many ways in which they can develop their interests and sense of belonging through the work of cultural organisations.
This focus on learning and engagement will continue in the coming weeks as we welcome Fiona Taylor, this year’s recipient of the Rosaria Campbell Award for Excellence in French Teaching. During her visit, we will be exploring how Te Arawhata can best serve the needs of New Zealand’s teaching community and support educators in sharing the story of the Liberation of Le Quesnoy and New Zealand’s experience on the Western Front with students across Aotearoa New Zealand.
For a young museum such as Te Arawhata, these conversations are invaluable. Our role extends well beyond the walls of the museum to foster connections between France and New Zealand, between past and present, and between communities and the stories that shape them.
As we move into autumn and prepare for the commemorations of 4 November, I would like to thank everyone who continues to support our museum and the wider cultural life of our region. Together, we ensure that the stories of the past remain meaningful in the present and continue to inspire the future.
Ngā mihi nui,
Elizabeth Wratislav