Complex themes made easy: The case study of an international exhibition consortium

Science Centres are increasingly playing a key role in public debates, integrating relevant social issues within the exhibitions they develop. However, communicating complex themes in an exhibition poses various challenges: how to materialize challenging issues into an interactive exhibition? How to challenge the audience to think about sensitive themes in an open and innovative way? In 2011, the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, in Lisbon, joined efforts in an international consortium with Universcience, in Paris, and Heureka, in Helsinki, to develop three interactive science exhibitions focused on promoting the public discussion around relevant themes: Mental Health, Contagion and Risk. Now, as they are open to the public, they are an exceptional case study to analyse how sensitive issues can be successfully worked at an exhibition level. Different cultures, the some results. This panel offers an overview throughout the various conceptual and developmental stages of the consortium project.

Dorothée Vatinel (France) will introduce the roots of this collaborative project and explain how the three exhibitions were shaped to address the common perceptions but also the different expectations of various cultures and audiences. She will detail how the visitors of the three science centres had a major role in this process by participating in crossed national surveys which ended up enriching all exhibitions.

Heidi Rosenstrom (Finland) will talk about the challenges and opportunities of working collaboratively and sharing international team expertise in an exhibition consortium. With so many minds in situ, how to maximize all novel ideas, experiences and benefits brought by the parties involved.

Sofia Lourenço (Portugal) will share her experience while adapting Crazingly: an exhibition about the well-being of the mind to the Portuguese social reality. This adaptation involved the creation of a national scientific committee and the establishment of partnerships with different institutions. Moreover, it involved the participation of many citizens, whose testimonies and voices contributed to a more enlightening, enriching and human experience. Also she will present the special educational program developed to engage the public around this debate.