Advanced Strategies for the Preservation and Promotion of Intangible Heritage

Introduction:

Intangible heritage, or living heritage, encompasses traditions, practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills handed down from generation to generation within communities. This course aims to provide a deep and comprehensive understanding of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), focusing on its identification, documentation, preservation, and promotion.

Targeted Groups:

• Cultural heritage professionals.
• Anthropologists and ethnographers.
• Museum curators and archivists.
• Educators and academic researchers.
• Government and NGO workers in the cultural sector.
• Community leaders and cultural activists.

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define and categorize different forms of intangible cultural heritage.
• Apply methodologies for the identification and documentation of ICH.
• Develop strategies for the preservation and promotion of ICH.
• Engage communities in the safeguarding of their cultural heritage.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization and modernity on ICH.

Targeted Competencies:

• Analytical skills in cultural heritage contexts.
• Practical skills in heritage documentation.
• Strategic planning for heritage preservation.
• Community engagement and facilitation.
• Policy development for cultural heritage protection.

Course Content:

Unit 1: Introduction to Intangible Cultural Heritage:

• Definition and Scope.
• What constitutes intangible heritage?
• Differences between tangible and intangible heritage.
• Categories of Intangible Heritage.
• Oral traditions and expressions.
• Performing arts.
• Social practices, rituals, and festive events.
• Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe.
• Traditional craftsmanship.
• Historical Context.
• Evolution of the concept of intangible heritage.
• Key milestones and international conventions.

Unit 2: Identification and Documentation of Intangible Heritage:

• Methodologies for Identification.
• Community-based approaches.
• Ethnographic research methods.
• Documentation Techniques.
• Audio-visual recording.
• Digital archiving and databases.
• Fieldwork and interviewing techniques.
• Case Studies.
• Successful documentation projects.
• Challenges and solutions in the field.

Unit 3: Preservation and Safeguarding Strategies:

• Principles of Preservation.
• Sustainable preservation practices.
• Ethical considerations in heritage preservation.
• Community Involvement.
• Role of communities in safeguarding heritage.
• Participatory methods and co-management approaches.
• Legal and Institutional Frameworks.
• International conventions and national legislation.
• Role of government and non-governmental organizations.

Unit 4: Promotion and Transmission of Intangible Heritage:

• Integrating ICH into formal and informal education.
• Media and Technology.
• Using digital platforms for heritage promotion.
• Social media and virtual heritage tours.
• Cultural Festivals and Events.
• Organizing and managing heritage festivals.
• Promoting cultural tourism.

Unit 5: Challenges and Future Directions:

• Impact of Globalization.
• Modernity and the erosion of traditional practices.
• Balancing preservation with innovation.
• Policy Development.
• Developing and implementing heritage policies.
• Advocacy and lobbying for heritage protection.
• Future Trends.
• Emerging trends in heritage studies.
• Role of technology in future heritage preservation.