Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, this week launched an open, nationwide call for submissions to Ireland's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Once compiled, the list will acknowledge and promote Ireland’s living culture through official State recognition. In tandem with this, it will fulfil Ireland’s obligations under the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which Ireland signed up to in December 2015 to raise awareness of, and respect for, our unique living culture. Intangible cultural heritage represents living forms of heritage that cannot be touched – unlike, for example, our built heritage. It refers to the practices, representations and expressions that are central to the lives and identities of our communities, groups and individuals.
Applications for Ireland’s National Inventory are being accepted in the following categories:
1. Oral traditions and expressions, including language
2. Performing arts
3. Social practices, rituals and festive events
4. Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe
5. Traditional craftsmanship
Minister Humphreys said: “The traditions and practices of our communities are the backbone of Irish culture and identity. They mould our past, inform our present and pave the way for our future. Up to the present day, they have been a source of great inspiration and pride to our people. I believe that it is our responsibility to acknowledge and celebrate them at a national level for the Ireland of tomorrow.”
Individuals or organisations seeking to be considered for inclusion on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage are invited to complete an Expression of Interest form. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 31 January 2018.
More information on how to apply can be found here
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