Practical Considerations for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage

"In this book Michelle Stefano presents a vision safeguarding intangible cultural heritage that is solidly grounded in theory while also giving sufficient space to more practical approaches and to practitioners’ voices, striking a valuable and necessary balance.

After critically examining the UNESCO safeguarding framework and the inevitable limitations of a state-driven model, she proposes pragmatic and effective ways to safeguard this heritage that are more truly participatory and equitable through applying ecomuseology principles and public folklore (in the US context). Through exploring relevant theory, illustrative cases and practitioner interviews, she shows ways in which these alternative approaches can help in overcoming existing obstacles to participation in ICH safeguarding. From this examination of existing frameworks, she draws lessons for more collaborative ICH safeguarding practice. Ultimately, and importantly, this book reminds us that people are at the centre of this heritage and that its safeguarding can only work well when they are fully engaged in its safeguarding."

~Janet Blake, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran

"Although the subject of international treaties and the object of national policy initiatives, it is hard to put a finger on a definition of intangible cultural heritage. Perhaps that is the point. As elusive as the term can be, something untouchable is not necessarily unknowable or inapplicable. Practical Considerations serves as a field-tested guidebook for policy makers, policy enactors and educators in the disciplines of public folklore, cultural studies, museum curation, and heritage preservation. It provides valuable insights into both the opportunities and challenges in an emerging realm of cultural policy and practice."

~Barry Bergey, National Endowment for the Arts, USA

"This book is one of the most stimulating pieces of writing about safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. By discussing the problems, considering a variety of case-studies and coming up with far-reaching strategies, Stefano considers apprenticeship, social needs and cultural exchange as important elements to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage."

~News in Conservation, International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works