GERHARD LOB Ticino is known as one of the sunniest spots in Switzerland. The sun does indeed shine very often in the country’s most southerly canton. Ticino often vies with Valais for the title of Switzerland’s sunniest canton. Sometimes the former comes out on top, sometimes the latter. But Ticino is the sunniest on average, according to MeteoSwiss meteorological records from 1990 to 2020. Ticino boasts five of the ten sunniest places in Switzerland. Cardada-Cimetta, the mountain overlooking Locarno, is in first place, with an average of 2,256 hours of sunshine each year. The Valais capital of Sion comes second, with 2,192 hours. It is, therefore, no coincidence that Cardada-Cimetta is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The 1,670-metre summit, Cimetta, is easy to reach. You first take a cable car from Orselina (395 metres) to Carany object being disposed of must first be offered to another museum. But Simon believes that public museums are not the only place to keep artefacts. “We apply a broad interpretation of the guidelines,” she says. “However, we give priority to professional applications from other museums,” she quickly adds. Jacqueline Maurer has no issue with the project either: “The museum staff have only disposed of items that are already covered in the collection. In addition, the project helps to keep the museum in people’s minds.” This approach seems to be working. The public nature of the process has also helped to elicit new information, revia a thorough application process. Museums, organisations and individuals – including those outside the Emmental region or even abroad – can apply to obtain a specific item. There are no conditions attached to future use, regardless of the intended purpose – upcycling, art, interior decoration, or whatever. Next come the decisions on who gets what: the committee meets again in mid-August, taking account of the online public votes in each case. The entire process is time-consuming, taking about a half a year in total. But Simon thinks this is justified: “After all, these objects have been entrusted to us. As museum curator, I have a duty of care.” Initial scepticism among the public seems to have evaporated, while interest across the wider museum community has also grown. They are even getting inquiries from abroad from people who want to know how the project works. Carmen Simon is delighted. This is already the second round of deaccessioning – the museum conducted its first round last year, albeit for only about a hundred items. Another round is planned for 2024. According to a Chüechlihus survey of those who voted online, many in the local population now feel a greater attachment to the museum. “Bringing the museum to our community is exactly what we want to do,” says Simon. “What matters is that we establish a connection. It is not about objects, but people.” Langnau native Jacqueline Maurer agrees: “I had forgotten that this region has so many intriguing things to offer. We should be proud to live here.” Because the aim of the project is not simply to free up space – but win hearts and minds. Carmen Simon: “The people of the Emmental Valley should have a say in what happens to their cultural heritage.” Photo: Eva Hirschi sulting in the museum changing its mind and keeping certain artefacts after all. Simon: “We have enough specialist expertise to know what specific items were for, but we don’t always know whom the things belonged to.” Take the work garment that was returned to the collection. “We thought it was just a tatty coat, but we have now discovered that it belonged to a radio mechanic whom everyone knew in the village.” The committee decided to keep the garment. Duty of care The bequeathing phase finally took place this summer. This involved working out what exactly will happen to each and every object. Not through an auction or an online shopping platform (no money changed hands), but For more photos of deaccessioned artefacts in Langnau, visit: revue.link/langnau. Swiss Review / August 2023 / No.4 14 Society Report
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjYwNzMx