Building a heritage education network: the experience of Repep (Paulista Network of Heritage Education)

Abstract

The Paulista Network of Heritage Education (REPEP) is an open network in which people interested in debating and acting in practical and theoretical matters related to heritage education can participate. The network came to be from a critical reflection about the field of heritage education formed by fragmented educational actions performed by museums, memory centers, schools, NGOs, archaeology consultancies, preservation agencies, among others. In facing education as a process of action and transformation, the
network proposes to rethink the theoretical foundation of this field as well as its educational practices. The article presents the trajectory of the construction of REPEP, showing the challenges and paths taken since its
inception until its consolidation. From interviews, documents and our own experience as members of the network, we organized the narratives of REPEP in three moments related to the notable transitions in way of
acting: the idea and the formation of a virtual network, when the first database was assembled, widening beyond the walls of the university and institutions, when members of the collective started meeting; and consolidation and strengthening of the network, with the formation of workgroups and increased activity. We finish by pointing some challenges and future perspectives for the current stage of REPEP. With this work, we intend to contribute and inspire the formation of other networks in the fields of cultural heritage and heritage education.