Assessing Value and Meaning of Living Heritage: A Guidebook

Workshop Intangible Heritage presents this guidebook to introduce a pioneering methodology for understanding and valuing living heritage.

Moving beyond expert-driven assessments and descriptive inventories, it puts communities, groups, and individuals at the centre of the process, allowing them to express the meanings and values they attach to their intangible cultural heritage (ICH).

Developed through research, pilot testing, and close collaboration with heritage communities, the approach encourages dialogue, reflection, and inclusivity, resulting in a Statement of Value and Meaning that synthesizes diverse perspectives.

Flexible and adaptable, the methodology provides practical tools to guide safeguarding, support ongoing engagement, and strengthen the vitality of living heritage across different contexts, contributing to participatory and community-centred heritage practices worldwide.

Download the guidebook here.