Cecilie Rørstad
Stiftinga Viti
Norway, Ålesund
Rørstad is a conservator in Viti, the regional museum of Sunnmøre in Western Norway. Her work includes research, cultural landscape management and dissemination. Rørstad was project manager for the new main exhibition at Sunnmøre museum “I was here – the voices from Sunnmøre” opened in 2022. She has experience in involving volunteers in the museum’s dissemination and the use of reference groups in the development of exhibitions. Dissemination of intangible heritage to different groups of audience is also part of Rørstad’s work. Her research interest has a interdisciplinary focus centres around sustainability, biodiversity, intangible heritage, agriculture and to involve audiences in the museums dissemination practices.
Cecilie Rørstad hold a master in Public Administration (MPA). In her master thesis she investigated how different factors influence regional development in the region of Sunnmøre. Rørstad has worked as a researcher and advisor and with volunteers in folkdance- and music on Sunnmøre.
Landscapes on display
The Brudavolltunet museum is an authentic, traditional farmstead. It consists of farm buildings (the oldest dating back to 1622) and 10,000 m2 of surrounding farmland. A living museum collection and exhibition, the farm is situated in Ørsta in rural Western Norway.
Our method of dissemination links conservation and dissemination to the biological processes in the fields and to the seasonal changes. The method focuses on historical farmland, sustainability and how changing demands and climate change impact this landscape in particular, but also nature and ecosystems in general.
The method represents a different approach towards exhibition design and environmental awareness for museums. It focuses on how a single farm like this can play an important role in developing a more sustainable society.
The visitor is invited to connect with the landscape and take part in the processes of cultivating. This will lead to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of natural processes and of the vulnerability of ecosystems. The proliferation of soft rush (Juncus effusus) at Brudavolltunet threatens the vulnerable traditional species. Our aim is to reduce its prevalence. The method differs substantially from a traditional museum exhibition, which has limitations when the object of study is a living landscape. There is no need for physical exhibition systems or staged themes. Nature and nature’s changes are the nucleus of dissemination and offer a range of solutions to reduce the need for exhibition infrastructure and cut the eco-footprint. The method demands and encourages interdisciplinary approaches involving biology, intangible knowledge, ecology and agriculture.
Our method can be transferred and adapted to other living landscapes and inspire museums throughout the world. To maintain the diversity of species globally, local action is necessary. This is an opportunity for museums, museum visitors and volunteers to play a role.
Biodiversity, intangible heritage, agriulture, sustainability, IN SITU