Scope

Sharing Cultures 2009 is aimed experts and scholars interested in Cultural and Intangible Heritage. Now that the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Operational Directives have been approved by UNESCO, one of the the main goals of Sharing Cultures 2009 is to promote discussion on these relevant issues.

For this purpose, Sharing Cultures 2009 adopts the definition of Intangible Cultural Heritage presented in the UNESCO Convention: "The «intangible cultural heritage» means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. For the purposes of this Convention, consideration will be given solely to such intangible cultural heritage as is compatible with existing international human rights instruments, as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups and individuals, and of sustainable development."

Considering that culture cannot be reduced to its material aspects alone, intangible heritage must be addressed in innovative-sustainable ways, as a source of inspiration, a field of research and a vast and rich territory of identity. Following the definition endorsed by UNESCO, one of the main goals of Sharing Cultures 2009 is to bring into discussion research work on "living expressions and traditions that countless groups and communities worldwide have inherited from their ancestors and transmit to their descendants, in most cases orally".

The last decades gave intangible heritage scientific recognition throughout significant field work and research projects. The safeguarding of this fragile heritage has become one of the priorities of international cooperation, the role of UNESCO being of major importance in this process. Also ICOM, ICOMOS, and other international and national organizations have been emphasising the need to preserve and study intangible heritage and to include it as a concern in professional practices, and to adopt accurate methodologies and guidelines.

Authors intending to submit papers to Sharing Cultures 2009 International Conference are encouraged to address these main issues in their presentations, providing evidence of undergoing innovative approaches and research. The Conference also welcomes papers providing evidence of cultural differences in intangible heritage preservation and use, as well as papers addressing relevant case studies.

Please refer to the list of Topics.