Effective January 17, 2020, the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage has entered a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with UNESCO’s International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (ICHCAP).

This five-year MOU reinforces the critical role that cultural institutions like the Center play in fostering exchange and mutual understanding. Under the agreement, the Center and ICHCAP will work collaboratively to build national and international awareness of intangible cultural heritage among the general public through exchange, increased access, and visibility.

Specifically, the MOU offers professional exchange opportunities for ICHCAP staff, allowing them to come to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C, to work on related research and build knowledge in the field of cultural sustainability. One to two ICHCAP staff will be welcomed in periods of up to six months during the next five years.

“The Center has a long history of collaborative cultural heritage work in the Asia-Pacific region, including our cultural sustainability projects in Bhutan and China,” director of special projects Halle Butvin said. “This MOU provides an exciting new opportunity to expand our relationships and work in the region.”

The MOU reflects the Center’s goal to lead the global community of cultural heritage professionals and scholars in building cultural understanding and supports our commitment to present new scholarship, train the next generation of cultural heritage professionals, and improve access to our rich collections.

ICHCAP, a UNESCO Category 2 Centre established in 2011 in Jeonju, Republic of Korea, works to enhance cultural diversity and promote the viability of intangible cultural heritage among communities in the Asia-Pacific region with the goal of promoting the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals through intangible cultural heritage.

The timeframe for the first professional exchange is to be determined, but we look forward to welcoming our partners.