Abstract

The Netherlands Institute for Heritage develops a digital database containing good practices of heritage-wide projects such as exhibitions or staff trainings that focus (directly or indirectly) on cultural diversity. Cultural heritage is cultural divers by definition. Diversity is the common heritage of humanity because different contexts make different significances. In the Netherlands, museums (and other heritage organizations like archives) are aware of their new mission. However, according to recent research, there is still much to do. The average museum does not reflect the diversity of present society well enough. It appears that in the professional heritage field diversity is not as apparent as it should. The Netherlands Institute for Heritage tries to achieve that all Dutch inhabitants can recognize themselves in the national collection. Therefore, besides a monitoring research project once every two years, the sector institute collects and shares good practices for mutual support. Many inspiring and instructive pilot projects show how dynamic cultural heritage actually is. Examples of these good practices are divided in following scales: - Diversity and policymaking - Diversity in the board of managers - Diversity through the enhancement of the staff’s expertise - Diversity in the bureau (personnel) - Diversity in the ways the collections are obtained - And presented in the museums exhibitions - Diversity in the audiences addressed - Diversity in the educational programme. An ever growing overview of good practices teaches many lessons. The most important and general lessons taught: do not assume anything; always be open for cooperating, with others museums, other organizations, industry and commerce and off course organizations of migrants. Do not ever be afraid of changes and focus on the common denominators.