Public Archaeology and Local Public Involvement in Slovenian Museums

Abstract

This paper examines the current state and key characteristics of public archaeology in Slovenia, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the degree of involvement of the local public as both partners and interlocutors in heritage processes. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from museology and heritology, the study highlights the importance of participatory and multiple-perspective models in democratizing heritage interpretation and management. The research is based on qualitative methodology, including semi-structured interviews with archaeologists working in regional and municipal museums. Preliminary findings indicate that public archaeology projects in Slovenia are predominantly shaped by the deficit model, in which knowledge flows mostly in one direction and is led by professionals. Although some elements of participatory practice and democratic intent are present – particularly through voluntary engagement – the design and conceptualisation of projects remain firmly within expert domains. The study identifies a lack of systemic support for the implementation of inclusive approaches, despite a strong awareness among professionals of the value of public collaboration. Recent attempts to weaken heritage protection legislation further underscore the need to cultivate stronger public alliances. The findings suggest that while individual efforts towards participatory practice exist, a shift towards institutional and policy-level support is necessary to realise the full potential of public archaeology as a socially responsive and democratically grounded field.