Activities
The Centre initiates activities directed at preservation, management and development of the intangible cultural heritage in the Netherlands. It advises the authorities on intangible cultural heritage and stimulates the debate on this subject. The Centre pursues an active media policy for the benefit of raising awareness of the significance and the value of intangible cultural heritage. In addition, the Centre strengthens the sector and guides the ICH communities in their growth to safeguarding their ICH.
September 1, 2012
As of September 2012 the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage has come into force in the Kingdom of the Netherlands as well. The Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage puts the convention into practice by order of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and coordinates the composition of the Inventory Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands. In addition, the Centre maintains contacts with the islands in the Caribbean part of the Netherlands on their ICH policy.
Mission
‘As an intangible cultural heritage centre, we give a future to intangible cultural heritage by implementing the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands and composing the national Inventory.
Intangible cultural heritage is living heritage that is formed in the practice of everyday life and borne by people. We support these people in safeguarding their heritage, put ICH on the map and work on raising the awareness of the significance of intangible cultural heritage with the general public. We furthermore advise the Dutch government and UNESCO and cooperate at national and international level with the other competent bodies in the development of knowledge of intangible cultural heritage.’
Vision
‘Intangible cultural heritage connects people, gives meaning to life and adds colour to the society, ensure a sense of continuity and identity and reflects the cultural diversity of the Netherlands. It is of great social importance. Intangible cultural heritage is an essential branch of heritage, borne by people today, who wish to pass on their intangible cultural heritage to the future. That is what we, as an intangible cultural heritage centre, wish to support and make visible.’