Practical Considerations for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage

<p><em>Practical Considerations for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage</em> examines theoretical issues relating to intangible cultural heritage policy and practice whilst also proposing practical ways to facilitate the safeguarding of such heritage.</p><p>Providing guidelines for best practice that take into account the constraints of the UNESCO-ICH paradigm Stefano examines the principles and practices of two alternative and largely non-UNESCO frameworks for sustaining living cultural traditions: the philosophy of ecomuseology and the discipline of public folklore in the context of the U.S. Arguing that they offer more collaborative equitable and effective ways forward for safeguarding ICH Stefano demonstrates how they can address the limitations of the UNESCO-ICH paradigm. Importantly the book offers a personal perspective grounded in the author’s public sector work which allows the ICH discourse to move beyond critical analysis and explore realistic alternative ways in which ICH can be collaboratively and equitably safeguarded. </p><p>Practical Considerations for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage proposes guidelines for professionals researchers and communities that foster safeguarding approaches that are as unique and nuanced as ICH expressions themselves. The interdisciplinary nature of the book will ensure that it is useful to those interested in community-led ICH safeguarding as well as the impacts of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention in diverse geographic political economic and sociocultural contexts. </p>