Recognizing the need to safeguard intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the face of contemporary challenges, ensuring effective funding, grants, and resources for the research, documentation, preservation, and promotion of ICH projects requires a comprehensive approach. This approach should be grounded in international instruments such as the 2003 UNESCO Convention and supported by diverse funding sources, including European funds, government programs, and UNESCO initiatives.
The relevance, significance, and sustainable results of funded initiatives depend on establishing cross-sectoral partnerships between organizations in the field of culture and the tourist industry, local organizations and institutions and/or representatives of the local community, voluntary civil associations, the private sector, and media, etc., as well as on working with youth audiences.
At the core of this approach is the establishment of a unified information portal, serving as a centralized online resource. Such a portal will provide easy access to information on all available funding sources for ICH in Bulgaria, including detailed data on national and international programs, application criteria, deadlines, and required documents.
To ensure the sustainable development of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) projects, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive approach that includes several key strategies:
- Developing training programs to assist organizations and communities in preparing project proposals,
- Building a network of experts to provide consultations and mentorship,
- Promoting public-private partnerships to mobilize additional resources,
- Disseminating best practices and successful projects to inspire and motivate other organizations and communities.
Case studies & further readings
- Toolkit for Requesting International Assistance from the UNESCO 2003 Convention (link)
This is the official resource for States Parties seeking financial and technical support from the main global fund for Intangible Cultural Heritage. It outlines the criteria, planning tools, and steps for drafting a successful proposal—a core component of resource mobilization. - Guidelines for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in Cultural Heritage Revitalization (link)
The file explicitly mentions promoting public-private partnerships as a strategy. This resource provides a practical guide on how to plan and prepare heritage projects using the PPP model, which is essential for mobilizing non-public resources. - Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage: Strategy and Tools (General Guidance) (link)
This article highlights key international and national policy strategies for identifying, preserving, managing, and promoting ICH, underscoring the necessity of institutionalization, networking, and the use of the Urgent Safeguarding List as a method to attract subsidies and foreign assistance.