Mr Saša Srećković, ethnographer and museum counsellor at the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade
R.C.: What are the key messages of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that have remained fully relevant to this day?
S.S.: To my consideration the principles such as respect and international cooperation within ICH framework have remained not only relevant over time, they even gained additional weight. The 2003 Convention proved that the communities deserve much more attention than was the case before. Thanks to the ICH system a greater cultural diversity is yet to be revealed.
R.C.: Would you identify such trends in the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage as relate to the use of formal and non-formal education and are the result of educational policies and practices?
S.S.: The more practical and hands-on experience the greater opportunities arise to promote and affirm ICH; The schools as well NGOs have been carrying out the interesting educational projects worldwide in the recent period. Intangible heritage offers tremendous opportunities to learn the values of the localities by means of such a cultural policy.
R.C.: Which are the highlights in marking the 20th Anniversary of the signing of the 2003 Convention and how do they relate to the dynamic changes in the political, cultural, social and economic contexts of the present day?
S.S.: For my part I see a considerable opportunity for ICH to contribute to development goals and agendas. Various global challenges ask for an approach where heritage can demonstrate its values as a developmental resource.
R.C.: In what direction do you anticipate the future development of Regional Category 2 Centres in terms of the safeguarding, conservation and evolution of the living heritages?
S.S.: Regional Category 2 centres should be widely open to initiatives coming from the civil sector. In fact their role is to act as mediators between institutions and communities for the benefit of heritage.
R.C.: How your personal experience in communicating with intangible cultural heritage has affected your professional growth?
S.S.: To a great degree. I have met lots of extraordinary people and experts worldwide thanks to ICH. ICH fed very much into my personal experience and knowledge.[:]