DCMS consults public on inventory of ‘intangible’ culture

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched an online consultation on the government's plans to ratify the UNESCO 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

The consultation seeks responses from the public to help it define and create an “inventory” of UK heritage that is “living and practised”. Intangible heritage can include oral traditions and expressions, including language, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe and traditional craftsmanship. 

Similar to the World Heritage List, UNESCO maintains a global list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In its endorsement of the convention, the government says it will not initially seek to nominate items to this list and instead create its own inventory. 

The government says this will “[raise] awareness of all the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK…to lift all rather than list a few with UNESCO”.

DCMS proposes creating inventories for the four nations and overseas territories, which will be collated into a National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the UK.

Communities, groups or individuals can submit items to be added to the inventory, reflecting traditions from anywhere in the world and any period currently practised in the UK. Submissions will then be subject to a “light-touch approvals process”, with new entries expected to be announced quarterly.

Arts Minister Lord Parkinson, said: “The UK is rich in traditions which are passed down from generation to generation. These crafts, customs, and celebrations have helped to shape our communities and bring people together, who continue to shape them in turn.

“By ratifying this convention, we will be able to celebrate treasured traditions from every corner of the UK, support the people who practise them, and ensure they are passed down for future generations to enjoy.”