Within the world of parks and natural resources, interpretation is often thought of as an art, relating many skills and techniques to the historical and cultural background of a resource. Interpreters created an acronym to help train future interpreters; ART was given a new meaning to the skills needed to be a great connector between visitors and the park. To be a good interpreter, one must have knowledge of the audience (A), knowledge of the resource (R), and the use of appropriate interpretation techniques (T). With all three skills, interpreters can share their knowledge with visitors effectively.
Interpreters must first understand what they are interpreting. They need to know the history behind the resource, its uses, and stories specific to that location. The National Park Service (NPS) writes in its interpretation curriculum that “interpreters must identify and be fully aware of the many different intangible and universal meanings the resources represent to various audiences … to be most effective, interpreters should use their knowledge to convey the park’s primary interpretive themes. … [and] interact with the resource as much as possible” (Bacher, et al., p. 12).
Audience
In addition to understanding the resource, an interpreter must have a full knowledge of the intended audience. Because visitor demographics are diverse, interpreters must cater their presentations to a wide audience.