Mrs Pirjo Hamari (PhD) is an experienced heritage professional who has been working with heritage management and policy-related questions at the Finnish Heritage Agency since 1990’s. Graduated in archaeology in 1996 (PhD in 2019), she has work experience in archaeological asset management, digital heritage management, and museum development and strategy issues. Currently, she works as Director of Development at Museum Development Unit at the FHA. She has participated in several national and international policy working groups, as well as several national and international projects as a partner and project leader. Pirjo has a passion for impact and relevance of cultural heritage in today’s society.
Pirjo Hamari’s reflections on the META-MUSEUM:
We are living in extraordinarily interesting times for museums. Their role in society, if not even evolving, is nevertheless under an increasing interest and discussion, and rightly so. Museums in the service of society and how and where they have impact is a topic that aligns closely with the understanding that cultural heritage is a people-centered phenomenon where participation, meaning-making and engagement are core elements. The META-MUSEUM project is delving exactly into these issues, emphasising the role of empathy, co-creation, and individual interpretation in fostering a deeper connection with CH. Its transdisciplinary approach, including neuropsychology, to understand transformative experiences related to CH offer interesting avenues into understanding better the sector’s engagement with audiences, visitors, and communities.