After a (sausage) sandwich and a welcome speech by Patrick Timmermans, director of Heritage Brabant, Annette Gaalman explained a collaboration project between Heritage Brabant and the Textile Museum.
We then tested the knowledge about intangible cultural heritage of the approximately 40 people present. Sunbathing: is that intangible heritage or not? And the Brabantsedag in Heeze? On the basis of various photos we started a conversation about what intangible cultural heritage is and what is not; and why yes or no. Leo Adriaanse then informed those present about the UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage and the Network, Inventory and the work of the Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Arie Koelemij from the Fund for Cultural Participation told about the Fund's Intangible Cultural Heritage Regulations and about the brand new Heritage Volunteers scheme.
Finally, we split into groups and cracked positions in four hackatons . The subjects were: 'working with Brabant authorities', 'working with heritage institutions in Brabant', 'young people' and 'raising awareness'. The participants discussed the questions within these themes and formulated solutions together.
For example, how can you make new generations aware that your intangible heritage is not 'just a fun party', but that it is a tradition with a history that has been passed on from generation to generation? The participants made a step-by-step plan to deal with this. But also: how do you ensure that both younger and older generations feel comfortable within your intangible cultural heritage community? How can you work with heritage institutions on securing (giving the future) your intangible cultural heritage?
We ended the day with a drink. We look back on a successful evening full of enthusiastic reactions, inspiration and new insights.
Intangible cultural heritage organizations in Brabant who could not attend the meeting, but who want to register with the Intangible Cultural Heritage Network, can contact erfgoedzorg@immaterieelerfgoed.nl.