Interview with Andrei Prohin

Interview with Andrei Prohin

Facilitator for the implementation of the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage

R.C.: What are the key messages of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that have remained fully relevant to this day?

A.P.: In my opinion, one of the main ideas of the 2003 Convention is that every person can be a bearer of living heritage (i.e., knowledge, skills, customs, language), worthy to be safeguarded for the sake of present and future generations. Another important message consists in the fact that ICH is one of the pillars of cultural diversity and dialogue among communities all over the world.

R.C.: Would you identify such trends in the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage as relate to the use of formal and non-formal education and are the result of educational policies and practices?

A.P.: In the past years, UNESCO carried out an exciting project, in several European countries, aiming to encourage teachers make use of ICH elements in various disciplines (mathematics, biology, etc.). This is a trend among leading ICH experts: to make youngsters aware of the living heritage from their native communities and help them use it as a resource for development.

R.C.: Which are the highlights in marking the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the 2003 Convention and how do they relate to the dynamic changes in the political, cultural, social and economic contexts of the present day?

A.P.: The 20th Anniversary of the Convention follows the painful experience of two human catastrophes of present-time: the COVID-19 pandemics and the war in Ukraine. Both tragedies made people think about solutions how to adapt to unordinary situations in order to safeguard ICH, as well as to help victims overcome hardships with the help of ICH.

R.C.: In what direction do you anticipate the future development of Regional Category 2 Centres in terms of the safeguarding, conservation and evolution of the living heritages?

A.P.: Regional Centres play an important role in connecting people from different countries, sharing valuable experiences and discussing actual issues. The activity of such Centers will surely continue the same direction, growing more dynamic and diverse due to new international projects.

R.C. How your personal experience in communicating with intangible cultural heritage has affected your professional growth?

A.P.: The annual participation in trainings and expert meetings helped me very much to learn about the current practices and views related to ICH safeguarding. Thanks to this experience, I could face such requests at home, could involve deeper in preparing nomination files, deliver presentations at conferences and prepare lessons for students.