One of the biggest challenges faced by cultural heritage managers is the professional evaluation of aesthetic values, with past heritage assessments and research primarily touching on visual aspects. There is a current paucity of research investigating integrated multisensory components (i.e. sound, visual, tactile etc.) at cultural sites, and how this may present as a form of intangible heritage through ascribed cultural significance. To explore heritage potential of multisensorial-rich cultural sites, we undertook pilot study research at Salamanca Market (Hobart, Australia) over the 2023 winter period, using on-site semi-structured interviews and field observations/measurements to uniquely obtain both quantitative and qualitative data. Interviews (n=9) and a survey (n=16) considered visitors (local and non-local), stallholders and volunteers, investigating sensory experience and perceptions, authenticity relationships, and ascribed values of sensory and multisensory heritage. In addition, field methods included sensory walks (i.e. soundwalks, smellwalks, tactile walks), alongside binaural measurements, photographic/video documentation, mapping and narrative descriptions, which documented the individual sensory components as experienced on-site. We found high potential for a unique multisensory atmosphere as experienced at Salamanca Market, particularly regarding the visual, aural and olfactory components. However, notions of sensory heritage were best reflected in responses by local visitors and stallholders, showing that heritage attribution and potential are not similarly impactful across all market users. This research is innovative, advances heritage theory and can provide impetus for future heritage exploration and management processes.

Authors:
Murray Parker, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Dirk Spennemann, Charles Sturt University, Australia
Jennifer Bond, Charles Sturt University, Australia

About the Presenter(s)
Mr Murray Parker is a University Doctoral Student at Charles Sturt University in Australia

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

Bookmark