Call for applications: the National Inventory of Living Heritage 2019

The selection of an element into the National Inventory of Living Heritage is a recognition to the communities that work with the traditions. The National Inventory also brings more visibility to the elements and deepens the process of safeguarding the living heritage.

Now new communities, NGOs and institutions are encouraged to apply to the National Inventory. It’s best to start the process in good time and to prepare the application file in a participatory manner together with other practitioners, communities and actors. The purpose is that the inventorying process itself deepens the understanding of safeguarding living heritage.

Elements within the Wiki-inventory for Living heritage can be suggested for the National Inventory. The Wiki-inventory now contains 150 submissions from 220 communities in five different languages. The Ministry of Education and Culture decides which elements will be entered into the National Inventory, based on a proposal by the Finnish Heritage Agency and the Advisory group on intangible cultural heritage. Also, communities and NGO’s in different domains of ICH will be evaluating the proposals.

It is possible for the elements listed in the National Inventory be nominated for inscription on UNESCO's international lists of intangible cultural heritage. The Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture decides which elements are to be submitted to UNESCO, based on suggestions from the communities. The first submissions will be about sauna culture in Finland and Kaustinen fiddle playing.

• Applications to the National Inventory can be made between the 4th of November to the 5th of December 2019 via Wiki-inventory.
• Here you can find Instructions and more information for applicants and evaluation criteria (pdf).
• See the questions here (pdf).

For more information

Leena Marsio, Senior Advisor, the Finnish Heritage Agency, leena.marsio(at)museovirasto.fi, tel. +358 (0)295 33 6017