Some digital storytelling tips for the cultural heritage sector

10/03/2021

European’s Storytelling Task Force developed 7 tips for digital cultural heritage, to be applicable to different content types.

Be personal

Personal stories bring the past to life and help people relate to history on an emotional level.

Be informal but expert

People want to learn from experts, but it shouldn’t be a chore. Overly academic language can put people off, but stories should not be ‘dumbed down’. Finding the right balance is important.

Tell hidden stories

So much cultural history remains untold. Bringing hidden heritage to light engages audiences and creates a sense of community, identity and shared history. When creating content it helps to ask: can you find stories that haven’t been told elsewhere?

Illustrate your points

A key strength of the cultural heritage sector is its wealth of visual imagery. This can be used to powerful effect in storytelling. Formats don’t have to be fancy, but do consider how visuals and text work together in the stories you share.

And remember… be digitally accessible

People use the web and access stories in different ways. To make sure your storytelling does not exclude people, follow web accessibility guidelines wherever possible. Then, consider how people can find, engage with, share and reuse your stories. Finally, be aware of any copyright, intellectual property rights, or cultural restrictions relating to your storytelling materials.