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Heritage Matters
2023 Jeonju International Awards for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage (JIAPICH) | South Korea
The anticipation is palpable as we approach the eagerly awaited announcement of the JIAPICH finalists. In this monumental event of 2023, we are delighted to disclose that Prof. Galla holds the prestigious position of Chair of the Jury for the Jeonju International Awards for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage (JIAPICH). The JIAPICH team is on the verge of unveiling the highly anticipated list of finalists. We extend a warm invitation for you to stay tuned for this momentous update, a celebration of those committed to safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage. Join us in this thrilling moment as we anxiously await the announcement!
World Anthropology Congress Closes with Focus on Tribal Empowerment, Education, and Cultural Preservation
The curtains have come down on the World Anthropology Congress (WAC) at KISS Deemed to be University, but its echoes continue to resonate across the global anthropological landscape. The valedictory session, graced by Shri Arjun Munda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, shed light on the remarkable confluence of history, culture, and academia.
Minister Munda’s speech delved into the pivotal role of Emperor Ashoka in promoting world peace and highlighted the profound connection between the cult of Jagannath and tribal culture. He stressed the need for indigenous people to engage in self-reflection and research within their own communities, emphasizing that quality education is the key to empowering them to address their issues independently.
Moreover, Minister Munda expressed the readiness of the Tribal Affairs Ministry to collaborate on establishing a world-class museum for indigenous communities at KISS University, awaiting a formal proposal from the Odisha Government.
Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT & KISS, received accolades for his visionary leadership and dedication to providing free education to tribal students. He underlined KISS as the ideal venue for the World Anthropology Congress and celebrated the university’s status as the “largest anthropological laboratory of the world.”
Prof Deepak Kumar Behera, VC, KISS-DU, and President of the United India Anthropology Forum (UIAF), shared the staggering statistics of the event, which featured 350 sessions, 20 round-table meetings, 20 workshops, and 120 panel discussions. More than 1,100 anthropologists from 51 nations presented 1,200 research papers, supported by 8 pre-congresses and 10 post-WAC sessions.
The global acclaim for this congress extended beyond borders. Prof Anand Singh from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, commended Dr. Samanta’s commitment to tribal education. Prof P. C. Joshi, WAC Chairman and former Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, hailed this as the most accessible and affordable anthropology congress ever, citing the unique initiatives undertaken by KISS.
Prof Charlotte Ann Roberts, a Fellow of the British Academy from Durham University, UK, lauded the astounding success of the Congress, underlining its significance in the field of anthropology.
Amidst these remarkable achievements and discussions, Prof Dr Amareswar Galla, from the UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums and Sustainable Heritage Development at Anant National University, Ahmedabad, and Emeritus Faculty at the Australian National University, emerged as a prominent advocate. He envisioned the Congress as a turning point in tribal empowerment and suggested KISS consider launching an international program on applied museum anthropology to nurture professionals capable of managing tribal museums.
As the World Anthropology Congress 2023 draws to a close, Professor Galla’s vision and the collective efforts of all involved promise a brighter future for indigenous communities worldwide, driven by education, cultural preservation, and empowerment.
UNESCO Chair Advocates Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Anthropology at World Anthropology Congress | 14 August 2023
The World Anthropology Congress (WAC) recently reached its conclusion at KISS Deemed to be University, but the spotlight now turns to Professor Dr Amareswar Galla, a leading advocate for tribal empowerment through anthropology. In the valedictory session of the congress, Professor Galla passionately addressed the gathering, emphasizing the transformative potential of anthropology in the lives of indigenous people.
With a distinguished background in inclusive museums and sustainable heritage development, Professor Galla believes that the WAC marks a significant turning point for tribal empowerment. He urged KISS University to consider launching an international program focused on applied museum anthropology, which could produce qualified professionals dedicated to managing tribal museums.
As the world’s attention shifts towards the invaluable contributions of anthropology in tribal communities, Professor Galla’s advocacy takes center stage. His vision aligns with the congress’s overarching theme of empowering indigenous people to lead dignified lives through research, education, and cultural preservation.
The World Anthropology Congress 2023 has set a path for meaningful change, and with Professor Galla at the forefront, it promises a brighter future for indigenous communities worldwide.
Bihar Museum Biennale 2023: Where Culture, Heritage, and Innovation Converge
The Bihar Museum Biennale 2023, a grand celebration of culture, heritage, and innovation, is currently underway in Patna, Bihar. This remarkable event, which runs from August 7th to December 31st, exemplifies the museum’s commitment to education, culture, and heritage preservation. It serves as a vibrant platform for cultural enrichment and empowerment, fostering engagement with the arts and history—a phenomenon referred to as the “Museum Culture.”
A Global Celebration
The second edition of the Bihar Museum Biennale takes the form of a physical extravaganza, uniting art, culture, and heritage under the theme “Connecting People, Connecting Cultures, Interrogating Museums.” This theme encapsulates the essence of the biennale, as it strives to promote and celebrate museum culture while connecting people and cultures on a global scale. It also serves the vital role of preserving our rich heritage for future generations.
Diverse Offerings: The Biennale 2023 presents a diverse array of experiences, including exhibitions, symposiums, master classes, virtual tours, and captivating art showcases. This cultural extravaganza brings together four Indian museums and eight international exhibitions from countries like Brazil, France, Nepal, and Italy, fostering a rich tapestry of cultural narratives.
Symposium Insights with Expert Voices: The biennale’s main symposium delved into critical aspects of museum culture, featuring insightful talks from esteemed experts. It began with a keynote address by Prof. Yannick Lintz, President of Musee Guimet, Paris, who explored the foundation of curatorial communication—the assembly of art objects.
The symposium also tackled the changing creative industry within museums, emphasizing their role as catalysts of innovation and growth. Notably, Dr. Pheroza Godrej, Director of Cymroza Art Gallery, Mumbai, and Ms. Rakhi Sarkar, Director of the Centre of International Modern Art, Kolkata, shared their perspectives, moderated by Dr. Saryu Doshi, an Art Historian and Author.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming sessions include discussions on ‘New Museum & Typologies,’ where experts, including Mr. Stephen Inglis, Director General of Research and Collections at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Hala Warde, Lebanese/French Architect, and Michael Peter Edson, Director of the Museum of Solutions, will delve into the history of human activity preservation. Additionally, ‘Indigenous and Intangible Cultural Heritage,’ featuring Dr. Lars-Christian Koch, Director of the Staatliche Museen Zu Berlin, Germany, and Prof. Amareswar Galla PhD, UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums & Sustainable Heritage Development, Anant National University, Ahmedabad, will explore the significance of movable cultural property and its connection to the identity of indigenous people.
Museum Evolution: The symposium explores the rapid evolution of museums from scholarly art repositories to vibrant community voices. It acknowledges the inseparable relationship between technology, engagement, and sustainability in shaping museum operations, outreach, curation, and models.
A Glimpse into the Future: The symposium also offers glimpses into the future of museums, with sessions on museum branding and merchandising, city museums and museum management, AI, and museum engagement. These discussions reveal how museums are embracing technology and innovation to remain relevant and engaging in our ever-changing world.
Trailblazers of Change: The final panel of the symposium provides a stage for trailblazers who are reshaping the museum model in both physical and virtual realms. It includes experts who envision the influence and challenges of our era on future institutions, architectural heritage, and infrastructure.
As the Bihar Museum Biennale 2023 unfolds, it celebrates the rich tapestry of culture and heritage while embracing the innovations of the present and future. This dynamic event invites visitors to explore, engage, and reimagine the world of museums, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.
Culture Masters, Inc. Held Its First Advisory Board Meeting
Culture Masters, Inc. held its first International Advisory Board Meeting on April 27 at which several important decisions were made. Alisher Ikramov was unanimously nominated as the first Advisory Board Chairperson. Additionally, the Board recommended Jeon Je Seon and Song Ji Hyun as the first Gugak Masters by Culture Masters. This is our first step in promoting the status of cultural artisans and communities.
The Gugak Masters Designation project is aimed at supporting cultural and artistic activities and the growth of global cultural artists. Candidates who excel in skill and mastery, creativity and innovation, and education and mentorship are selected for the designation. Jeon Je Seon and Song Ji Hyun have been selected as Gugak Masters based on their artistic talents and experience.
Jeon Je Seon is a senior artist of the Jeongseon Arirang Art Troupe and has won numerous awards for his performances. He trains young practitioners in the gugak field and has innovatively developed traditional culture and creative storytelling based on Jeongseon Arirang.
Song Ji Hyun has more than twenty years of artistic experience promoting and developing Korean music domestically and internationally. She has incorporated various Western instruments into traditional Korean music to transform it into a new kind of Gugak Jazz.
CEO Song-Yong Park expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their valuable contributions and participation in the meeting. Information about the Board is available on Culture Masters’ website (http://culturemasters.org/about-us/#iab).
The next International Advisory Board is scheduled for October 25, 2023.
2023 World Tea Culture Industry Conference
The World Tea Culture Industry Conference took place on 13 and 14 May 2023 at the Changwon Convention Center in Changwon City, South Gyeongsang Province, Republic of Korea. Additional events were held on 15 and 16 May at Hadong Ssanggyesa Temple.
Culture Masters, Inc. cooperated with several organizations to help ensure that the meeting was a success. The staff and leadership of the following bodies helped make the event possible:
- Korean Tea Culture Association (Host)
- World Tea Culture Industry Conference Organizing Committee (Organizer)
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;·Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs;·Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Rural Development Administration; and South Gyeongsang Province, and Changwon Special City (Sponsors)
- Seven City Korea (Operations)
- Dong-A Ilbo LG Hellovision (Media)
Representatives from Australia, China, Japan, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Vietnam presented in person or via video. For the first day, representatives focused on tea culture as an industry, focusing mostly on its current state and development strategies for the future. On the second day, the focus shifted more toward tea as an intangible cultural asset, and the speakers talked more about tea in relation to cultural events and rituals, especially with a concentration on some of the social aspects surrounding tea as a cultural element. Download the rapporteur notes.
Although the combination of industry and culture may initially seem unconventional, this unifying theme lays the foundation for developing a multinational nomination file to register tea culture on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As a culmination of the conference, the Changwon Declaration on Promoting World Tea Culture was signed by five key figures: Seong-Bae Ko (Korea Tea Culture Association), Alisher Ikramov (International Institute of Central Asian Studies), Seong-Yong Park (Culture Masters, Inc.), Eok-Kung Kim (International E-Sports Committee), and Nguyen Duc Tang (Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage). The declaration outlines the relationship of tea to communities as well as tea’s influence on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are essential foundations in building a nomination dossier for UNESCO. Download the full text of the declaration.
A special session in the morning of the second day. The discussion primarily revolved around the importance of tea as a cultural element that can promote cultural tourism. In particular was the talk about possibly co-producing a Chinese-Korean drama based on the love story of King Gongmin and Princess Noguk during the thriving era of tea culture in Goryeo dynasty.
UNESCO New Delhi Hosts National Brainstorming Session on Promoting Cultural and Creative Industries: Highlights and Recommendations
UNESCO New Delhi recently organized a national-level brainstorming session on Priority 3 of the G20 Culture Working Group, focusing on the promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) and Creative Economy. The session aimed to propose recommendations for the G20 Working Group. Various experts and participants shared insights and concerns regarding metrics, policy interventions, institutional support, knowledge exchange, and more. The session’s outcomes will be compiled into a report and shared with contributors.
Workshop on: Maintaining the Balance: Heritage Preservation and Sustainable Tourism in Rural and Remote areas A case study of the Cyprus heartland | 26-30 June 2023
The workshop on “Maintaining the Balance: Heritage Preservation and Sustainable Tourism in Rural and Remote Areas” will be held from 26th to 30th June 2023 in the heartland of Cyprus. The workshop is funded and organized by UNITWIN/UNESCO, with co-organization from the heartland of Cyprus.
The heartland of Cyprus, specifically the Troodos Mountain Range, holds significant geological, cultural, and historical importance. It is home to the Troodos World Geopark, which combines geological heritage with cultural and historical sites. The region boasts ancient ruins, traditional villages, religious sites, and Byzantine churches that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The workshop aims to address the challenges of balancing heritage preservation and sustainable tourism in rural and remote areas, focusing on the case study of the Cyprus heartland. It aims to analyze the current state of heritage tourism development in the region, identify opportunities and challenges for sustainable tourism, and share best practices from around the world. The workshop also aims to raise awareness among stakeholders about the importance of sustainable heritage tourism and develop an action plan for promoting sustainable tourism in the heartland of Cyprus.
Expected outcomes of the workshop include film production, publication of working papers, a presentation day/symposium, and the development of an action plan with concrete steps and timelines. The workshop will bring together 30 experts, including local government officials, community groups, environmental organizations, tourism practitioners, and academics. Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism will be cohosting the workshop.
The workshop will commence in Limassol with presentations and meetings with key stakeholders, followed by a visit to the Troodos Mountains. Participants will explore painted churches, engage in workshops on Byzantine hagiography and dry stone walling, visit museums and wineries, and have opportunities for outdoor activities. The workshop will conclude with a presentation of the results and a round table discussion with the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism and other key stakeholders.
Prof Dr Amareswar Galla will be attending the workshop as part of the UNESCO-UNITWIN Network member.
Additional Documentation
Heritage Matters Webinar 26 | Woodfordia: Ecomuseology, Design & Cultural Landscapes
Title – Woodfordia: Ecomuseology, Design & Cultural Landscapes
Date – 5th June 2023, Monday
Time – 1130-1300 Indian Standard Time (11:30 AM – 01:00 PM)
Recording Link – Click Here
The transformation of the international cultural landscapes requires re-envisioning new paradigms that consolidate all elements of the natural/cultural; moveable/immovable; tangible and intangible. Beyond binaries and borders it is One Health and One Environment – building on the four pillars of cultural, economic, social and environmental sustainability and SDGs to address the climate crisis. Two things are of urgent necessity. Harmonisation of International Hard Law and Soft Law instruments – treaties, conventions, charters, declarations and recommendations. We also need demonstration projects at the local level through active citizenship such as Woodfordia (woodfordfolkfestival.com/) building on living cultures and living traditions in the total environment. In this Webinar, we interrogate the making of Woodfordia as an integrated and holistic landscape, a microcosm of Australia and beyond.
Guest – Mr. William Hauritz AM, Founding Director of Woodfordia and Woodford Folk Festival, and a designated Queensland Great in Australia (Bio – Bill Hauritz).
Host – Professor Dr. Amareswar Galla, UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums and Sustainable Heritage Development at Anant National University, Ahmedabad. He also holds the position of Emeritus Faculty at the Australian National University, Canberra, and serves as the Chairperson of the International Research Network on the Inclusive Museum (onmuseums.com).
Heritage Matters Webinar 25 | World Heritage 50 Years on: Transformations, Tourism and Interpretation
Title – World Heritage 50 Years on: Transformations, Tourism and Interpretation
Date – Wednesday, 22nd March 2023
Time – 7:30-9:00 PM Indian Standard Time
Recording Link – Click Here
The past five decades have seen considerable progress in the discourse of World Heritage. More recently, the pandemic and post pandemic realities have provided an opportunity to the relevant stakeholders to reflect and progress furthering the location of SDGs in World Heritage. What are the transformations and new learnings? To what extent are these contextually dealing with the climate crisis? How are they addressing the disruptions of the pandemic that impeded progress on poverty alleviation? In many ways, tourism is rebounding around World Heritage. Has this posed new challenges? What are the new opportunities? Who interprets and presents whose heritage have been questions over the past five decades. What is the progress in recent years? These and many other questions will be addressed in the Heritage Matters Webinar 25.
iiiM News »
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2023 Jeonju International Awards for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage (JIAPICH) | South Korea
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World Anthropology Congress Closes with Focus on Tribal Empowerment, Education, and Cultural Preservation
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UNESCO Chair Advocates Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Anthropology at World Anthropology Congress | 14 August 2023