Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) goes beyond preservation; it also involves interpretation and innovation to keep heritage relevant and accessible for today’s audiences. Interpretation means communicating the meanings of ICH in ways that are accurate, engaging, and respectful of the communities that practice it.
The Romanian Ceramic Workshop from Marginea illustrates how live demonstrations and direct interaction with craftspeople transform traditional pottery into a meaningful educational experience, allowing visitors to understand both the techniques and the cultural significance of this centuries-old craft
Interpretive strategies include exhibitions, guided tours, festivals, performances, and educational programs. Effective interpretation should not reduce heritage to mere spectacle. Instead, it should focus on the cultural contexts, values, and voices of tradition bearers. For example, interpretation centers dedicated to bećarac or Vučedol culture combine exhibitions with interactive workshops, allowing visitors to experience heritage as a living practice.
Community-centered models and inclusive narratives are equally important. Communities are not just passive subjects of interpretation; they actively contribute to heritage stories. The Batana Eco-Museum in Rovinj showcases this approach: fishermen, artisans, and residents curate exhibits, organize regattas, and pass on songs, ensuring that heritage presentation reflects their lived experiences. Similarly, the Kumrovec open-air museum involves local families and artisans in workshops, linking heritage education with community pride. These models show that community engagement is a moral obligation and a way to achieve authenticity.
The ASTRA Museum in Sibiu offers another example of community-based interpretation, where traditional crafts and rural lifestyles are presented through live demonstrations, educational activities, and the active involvement of heritage bearers.
Digital technologies create new opportunities for promoting ICH. Mobile apps, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) can make heritage accessible beyond geographical limits. In Croatia, digital archives and repositories help communities document and share practices widely. The bećarac mobile app, for example, not only preserves songs but also offers interactive learning through quizzes and user-generated content. Such tools attract younger generations and encourage intergenerational transmission in new ways.
In conclusion, innovation and interpretation should always aim to foster community engagement. By blending traditional storytelling with digital tools and centering communities in narrative creation, we can both safeguard heritage and share it dynamically. These strategies ensure that ICH continues to inspire local pride while promoting understanding on a global scale.