Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao Living Heritage Educators and Bearers Enhanced Knowledge on the 2003 Convention for Future Synergetic Safeguarding Actions

October 26-29, Foshan, Guangdong Province - The "Training of Trainers Workshop on the 2003 Convention for China (Second Session) (Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao)", co-organized by the International Training Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia and Pacific Region (CRIHAP), UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, and China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center with the support from Guangdong Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum (Guangdong Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Center) and Foshan Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Center was successfully organized, gathering 22 participants-university ICH educators, representatives from culture sector, as well as ICH bearers and practitioners-from the three regions.

Director of UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia Prof. Shahbaz Khan pointed out in his opening remarks, "UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is a cornerstone in our shared dedication to ICH safeguarding and transmission. Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao each hold unique cultural expressions that enrich our global heritage, and there is much to be gained from fostered collaboration across the region."

During the 4-day workshop, UNESCO training facilitators Ms. Anna Wai-Yu Yau and Ms. Ng Xin Yi delivered in-depth dissection on the 2003 Convention, covering basic knowledge, key concepts, ethical principles for safeguarding ICH, ICH and sustainable development, city, and higher education through case studies. Deputy Director of China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center Mr. HAO Qingjun offered a keynote speech which introduced China's strategic measures/actions towards ICH safeguarding and transmission. Director of Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Research Base Dr. Su Junjie presented economic dimensions of ICH, where he directed participants' attention to the issues caused by over- and under-commercialization of ICH. Office Director and Researcher from Foshan MuseumMs. ZHANG Xuelian introduced the history and culture of Foshan in her keynote speech. Ms. LIU Yuyi from Shantou University Chaoshan Culture Research Center reflected, "I had a more thorough understanding of the Convention. All safeguarding actions should start with respecting the community that practices an ICH."

Integrating field visits at the Guangdong Provincial ICH Museum, Foshan Ancestral Temple, Wong Fei Hung Memorial Museum, Foshan Ancient Town Historical Features Exhibition Hall, New Shiwan Meitao Art Ceramics Factory Co. Ltd., Nanfeng Ancient Kiln, and Guandong Shiwan Ceramics Museum, participants were able to have an immersive experience in the unique and shared ICH practices in the region. A highlight is that participants also watched national ICH Guangdong Lion Dance at the Foshan Ancestral Temple, where they involved in deep conservations with Mr. Huang Qintian, the fifth-generation national ICH bearer and the leader of the Foshan Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance team, on the transmission and innovation of this traditional, celebrated practice among the younger generation. "I could sense the charisma and public recognition of the Lion Dance. Seeing so many young practitioners is no doubt a positive reflection of the vitality of ICH transmission," said Ms. Ng Ging Jing, Senior Technician at the Macao Museum, Macao Special Administrative Region Government Cultural Affairs Bureau.

As a vital part of the workshop, participants engaged in thoughtful group discussions during the last day, exchanging insights through experiences and examples on topics including "Should a mechanism be established to monitor the quality of living heritage products and performances?", "Does the transmission and survival of living heritage take precedence over animal rights?", "Should the living heritage elements from foreign ethnic groups or immigrants be included in the local or national lists?", and "Establishing ICH park or exhibition hall can achieve the maximum effect in safeguarding ICH".