Safeguarding the rich heritage of Asia-Pacific for future generations.
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Countries represented
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Network founded
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Founding institutions
Featured initiatives
Curriculum & Capacity Building
Course content and pedagogy shared across member universities so graduates gain real competencies in safeguarding practice.
Field Research & Documentation
Interdisciplinary fieldwork projects documenting traditional music, craft, language and ritual before knowledge is lost.
Community Engagement
Workshops, exhibitions and cultural transmission activities that keep safeguarding rooted in the communities who hold it.
Upcoming events
History & background
Recalling that the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage locates communities at the centre of safeguarding their intangible cultural heritage and also identifies education, research, training and capacity building as key mechanisms.
Recognizing that there is considerable potential for many higher education institutions in the Asia Pacific region to actively contribute to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage through the education of future decision-makers, planners, facilitators and administrators, and can be key actors in capacity building.
Noting that education and research in intangible cultural heritage is dispersed throughout various disciplines and institutions within the Asia-Pacific region.
Responding to the passionate commitment of many scholars, teachers and practitioners in higher education institutions throughout the Asia-Pacific region to enhance their cooperation as identified in a 2015 Regional Symposium on the Development of Post-Graduate Degrees Focusing on Intangible Cultural Heritage and a 2017 survey of higher education institutions in the Asia-Pacific region.
Embracing the importance of intangible cultural heritage in intercultural understanding, cultural diversity and human creativity, and its critical role in sustainable development.
19 representatives of higher education institutions from 11 Asia-Pacific countries meeting in the Republic of Korea in July 2018 with the support of the Korean National University for Cultural Heritage, ICHCAP and UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Regional Office (Bangkok) have agreed to form the Asia-Pacific Higher Education Network for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage and have developed these Statutes to guide its establishment and operations.
In the spirit of the 2003 UNESCO Convention, three objectives guide the network's work.
Ways the network works together
Cultural Heritage Education
University courses, training and certifications on ICH safeguarding, plus capacity-building for educators, professionals and local communities.
Field Research & Documentation
Fieldwork, documentation and interdisciplinary studies on intangible cultural heritage across the region.
Exchange Programs
International exchange of students, faculty and researchers focused on ICH studies between member institutions.
Community Engagement
Workshops, exhibitions and cultural transmission programs that promote safeguarding within local communities.
Workshops & Capacity Building
Educational workshops and training programs equipping people to safeguard intangible cultural heritage.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Raising the profile of intangible cultural heritage globally and regionally through awareness programs.
Building the region's shared knowledge
Research areas
Ongoing projects
Current academic and field research, with descriptions and progress updates from member institutions.
Funding & grants
Funding opportunities for researchers and institutions working on ICH preservation.
Collaborative research
Cross-border projects involving universities, government agencies and cultural organizations.
Publications
Academic papers, reports and publications related to intangible cultural heritage.
Calendar & gatherings
Resources & publications
APHEN-ICH shares knowledge supporting intangible cultural heritage safeguarding, education, research, and regional cooperation. Detailed resources and publication materials are available to approved member accounts.
Open to higher education institutions safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Because of the diversity of the region's higher education sector, the most appropriate institutional arrangement for membership is determined by institutions themselves. Each member nominates up to three contact persons, one of whom serves as focal person at general meetings and events.
Regular / Institutional
The network's primary members — higher education institutions with programs addressing intangible cultural heritage. Individuals are nominated as focal points for each member institution.
Advisory
Institutions beyond higher education that are instrumental in promoting and supporting ICH safeguarding. ICHCAP and UNESCO are founding advisory members; others may be proposed by the bureau and approved by the general meeting.
Associate
By invitation, for individual academics whose new affiliation is not a member institution. Proposed by the bureau, approved by the general meeting; associate members do not serve on or select the bureau.
Ready to join the network?
Membership is open to higher education institutions within the Asia-Pacific region with programs associated with safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
Working alongside the network
Cultural heritage institutions
Key partner institutions, museums and cultural heritage organizations across the region.
Government & NGO partnerships
Strategic collaborations with national and regional bodies, UNESCO, and NGOs involved in ICH.
Corporate & industry partners
Corporate sponsorship and partnerships supporting ICH initiatives and events.