International Organization of Folk Art IOV

30th Anniversary

October 23, 2010 Nanjing, China

www.iov-world.com Phot

o pr

ovid

ed b

y: D

r. A

ija

Jans

one

(Lat

via)

It is with great pleasure that we present to you this commemorative 30th Anniversary IOV Magazine, released during the 2nd IOV World Youth Congress, in Nanjing, China, in October 2010. Here, we collect some of the research and investigative work submitted by fellow members and colleagues from all parts of the world. These members of our IOV family not only are experts in their fields and active cultural leaders in their countries, but they are also dedicated and committed promoters of IOV’s efforts in protecting Intangible Cultural Heritage in all parts of the world. The content in this edition moves in all directions. Doctors, professors and students, men and women, of all ages, in a variety of subjects, responded to our call and submitted their work. We hope you will all be satisfied with this editorial masterpiece that gathers a sample of the cumulative experience and knowledge that gives IOV it’s strength. As you will see, we are rapidly progressing, not only at the local and individual level by all our members in their areas and countries, but also at an organizational level with stronger collaborative bonds with UNESCO and other NGOs worldwide and a leadership focused in IOVs growth and success. Once again, enjoy the reading and immersing in this deep cultural experience. ¡Saludos! Olvin Valentin Editor Chair, IOV Youth Commission Olvin.Valentin@gmail.com

Editor’s Note

!IOV Presidential Council President - Carmen D. Padilla - Philippines Vice President – Etienne Vankeirsbilck - Belgium Vice President - Rikus Draijer - Netherlands Vice President – George Frandsen - USA Vice President - Emma Chan Hoefler - China Vice President - Elvira Kunina - Russia Secretary-General - Hans Holz - Austria Treasurer - Jutta Widor – Austria Editorial Team Editor - Olvin Valentin - Puerto Rico Donna Breckenridge – USA George Frandsen - USA Emma Chen Hoefler - China Contributors (alphabetical order) Adhitra, Andris – Indonesia Amarizlanov, Dr. Tahir – Azerbaijan Badis, Dr. Nour El Houda – Tunisia Baird, Larry – USA Blackwelder, Joshua – USA Breckenridge, Dr. Donna – USA Chen Hoefler, Emma – China Draijer, Rikus – Netherlands Frandsen, George – USA González, Rut María – Spain Illari, Dr. Javier Rodrigo – Spain Jansone, Dr. Aija – Latvia Khalifa, Ali Abdulla – Bahrain Khatib, Dr. Rinad – Jordan Kunina, Elvira – Russia Lane, Robert – Philippines Lourenco, Helena – Brazil Marczuk, Prof. Mieczyslaw – Poland Marko, Peter – Hungary Miquilin, Dr. Terenzinha Pasquilini – Brazil Moon, Hyung Suk – Korea Neubauer, Dr. Florence – USA Padilla, Carmen – Philippines Pirgova, Luba – Bulgaria Santova, Mila – Bulgaria Stoddard, Dr. Patricia – USA Trivic, Nataliya – Bosnia Herzegovina Vankeirsbilck, Etienne – Belgium Vidales, Jose - Mexico

•President’s Message: Brief History of IOV and Its Future: IOV 30th Anniversary

•IOV USA National Section •IOV - International Commission on

Festivals/Traditional Performing •IOV Bulgaria •IOV Youth Bulgaria •IOV México: Festival Internacional de

Folklore •IOV Belgium: Brief History of 30 years of

IOV •IOV China •IOV Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina •International Folk Dance Festival

“DUKATFEST” Bosnia and Herzegovina •IOV Youth of Indonesia •World Congress of Peace in the Americas •An outline of the IOV Scientific Activity •IOV Bahrain: Stronger Bonds among People

of the World •IOV Tunisia Activities •IOV Korea •First IOV World Youth Congress: A

resounding success! •IOV Jordan •IOV Brazil •Youth Involvement in IOV USA •Ralli Quilts: Traditional Textiles of South

Asia •IOV and UNESCO: A Partnership in

Progress •IOV Latvia: Development of Latvian

Traditional Applied Art in the Second Half of the 20th Century

•IOV Russia: The Safeguarding the Ethno-cultural Heritage of the Highlanders. International Folk Festival in Dagestan.

•IOV Philippines •Hosting for Dance and Music Festivals •The IOV Legal Committee •Past and present of a traditional festivity: La

Carxofa d’Alaquàs

Table of Content… In this edition

The International Organization of Folk Art(IOV) has withstood the test of time. The early years of growing pains have paid off as IOV expanded to all parts of the earth and touched the lives of many people. From humble beginnings we are now participants in a global development strategy that hopes to bring necessary and meaningful changes in the lives of men and women. We are 30 Years old. From the outset of my involvement, which was a meeting in Athens in 1996, I realized that IOV was here to stay. That was the first time I was introduced to Alexander Veigl, the founder, and to some of you. The subsequent conferences and meetings in Austria, in Hungary under the able leadership of Peter

Marko, in Africa with Tony Ashikodi, the cross-border conference of Austria-Hungary-Slovakia, the European Conferences which came in a series under the able leadership of Dr. Marczuk from Poland, the festivals, which IOV members took a lead on in Belgium with Etienne Vankeirsbilck, in Netherlands with Rikus Draijer, in South America with Helena Lourenco, in Spain, some parts of Asia with Caroline, in Korea with Mr. Moon - all these events made IOV’s presence stronger in the continents. Then came the invitation from CIOFF for the IOV President to speak before the Annual Conference in Bangkok. That was the first opportunity to reach out to each other, IOV and CIOFF, as friends and partners in pursuit of the cause of peace

and tolerance, mutual understanding and respect, all through the medium of folk culture. There was so much goodwill and pleasant relations that led to further means of exploring a future of collaboration and partnership. The next big event came in the meeting of Alexander Veigl and Kari Bergholm in Austria, where more plans were made to have a joint meeting of IOV and CIOFF in the halls of UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Soon thereafter, the festival directors of both organizations were present in Russia under the able leadership of Elvira Kunina in May, 2004 which resulted in an agreement of

Brief History of IOV and Its Future: IOV 30th Anniversary

By Carmen D. Padilla, President of IOV

October 23, 2010 Nanjing, People’s Republic of China

!partnership in festival events. The presence of President Padilla of IOV and the representative of the President of CIOFF Kari Bergholm through its Secretary-General Philippe Beausant, put a clearer stamp on the new relations between the two organizations. While we preach mutual understanding and tolerance for the sake of peace in this world, we should show the world that in our work we are actually practicing it. Mr. Babka’s crafts museum was given special notice by the UNESCO Director General after the latter graced the opening of the exhibit in the halls of UNESCO Paris and paid a visit to Babka’s Crafts Museum in Pozivnica. Mr. Tony Theuma of the Commission on Traditional Food held his festivals in Malta and in Turkey. He coordinated 500 chefs in these festivals. In November of 2004 he organized another such festival/competition. The current Chair is Dr. Tahir Amarislanov from Azerbaijan. Dr. Elisabeth Teotoky of Athens concluded a

conference in Greece. Guesting the occasion was Rikus Draijer, the Chair of the Festival Commission. Elizabeth authored a book on costumes. Dr. Oksana Mykytenko of Ukraine, a most active member of the IOV Executive council has been involved in fora in different IOV events. Prof. Bucur dynamically made his Open Air Museum a leading example in the world. In the Philippines, the Chair of the Commission on Myths and Legends, Dr. Rosario Limcaoco accomplished the national festivals of dance-drama on

myths and legends. The current President Mr. Robert Lane owns the most prominent Folk Crafts museum cum shop in Manila. A transition team was approved by the General Assembly to review the IOV statutes. This team, Etienne Vankeirsbilck, Rikus Draijer, Elvira Kunina, Hans Holz, Dr. Corneliu Bucur, and Carmen Padilla met in Moscow upon the invitation of Elvira Kunina. A new draft of the IOV statutes was finalized for presentation to the next General Assembly, which was held in Greece. The IOV Congress in Greece was under the auspices of the Archbishop of Athens and the Mayor of Volos. The

lead organizers were Christos Tentzerakis and Mica Pappasevou. The 25th year was celebrated in Tianjin, China, where a general meeting was held. This was also the start of a partnership between IOV and Tianjin in organizing a large crafts and trade fair which continues to this day. Another General Conference and Symposium was in Andong, Korea organized by Moon Hyung Suk. 82 countries were represented with 120 delegates from all continents participating. The sharing of experiences resulted in a rich harvest of activities from all over the world. In the meantime, national sections were being

organized in some countries. Ali Abdulla Khalifa of the Royal Kingdom of Bahrain established an IOV Regional Office in Bahrain and has since published the IOV Journal for the Middle East and North Africa. He now heads the scientific commission. Tunisia is represented by Dr. Nour el Houda Badis, professor of linguistics in the University of Tunisia. Dr. Nour is

taking the leadership in North Africa. In 2008 we were fortunate to have the presence of the IOV Executive Board members in Manila in March 2009. This was organized by IOV Philippines which held a parallel IOV conference on “Shared Visions-Pathways to Peace”. The Executive Board tackled the provisions of the Statutes and the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). The latest move that we made was the creation of the IOV Youth. This was launched in the Youth Congress in Utah organized by George Frandsen, the Chair of the Legal Commission of IOV. He was ably assisted by Dr. David Calrquist, Ms. Emma Dugal, Janet Seamons Mr. Larry

!

Baird and James and Carol Dries. It was a wonderful experience to see very able, articulate and involved young professional men and women from different cultures selflessly engaged in promoting traditional arts crafts. To them lack of resources was no deterrent to their work. They creatively raised their own funds. In representation of the Youth the IOV Youth Commission is headed by Olvin Valentin of Puerto Rico. The Festival Commission has been headed by Rikus Draijer of Netherlands for many years. Now he is Vice President of IOV. He started the Festival calendar which is distributed all over the world and which connects festivals of all country members. This has encouraged the participation of dance and music groups

in the many festivals of IOV. This is also a very effective means of introducing IOV to the world. Rikus is currently working with IOV Mongolia Head Dunguu Munkhnasan. Many other events were held. In Mexico with Cristobal Ramirez hosted the IOV meeting of the Central and South America two years ago. This coincided with the International Dance

Festival organized in Mexico City by Prof Vidales. Caroline Cheng of Taiwan organized the Intangible Heritage Forum. Emma Chen Hoefler, IOV China Head, hosted our Presidential meeting in Beijing and coordinated our work with Shanghai and Nanjing among other sites in China. China also hosted the Conference on Intangible Heritage in Jiuzhaigou, a mountain city which is known for its beautiful seven lakes. This was attended by some IOV officials. In June of 2010, IOV Jordan was launched through the headship of Dr. Rinad Khatib. This was accomplished through the

coordination of IOV Regional Executive Secretary Ali Abdullah Khalifa. The opening ceremonies, held in the city of Amman, was attended by the Minister of Culture of Jordan. Among the many festivals, in June 2010 the Banja Luka dance festival was a successful event in Bosnia Herzegovina under the leadership of Natalija Trivic. Also in June 2010, the 12th IOV European Conference was held in the city of Lublin organized by IOV National Section Head of Poland Prof. Adamowski. A special recognition ceremony honored Prof. Marczuk who was a longtime member and organizer of the past European conferences. These events were attended by President Carmen D. Padilla, SecGen Hans Holz, Legal Commission Chair George Frandsen and Dr. David Carlquist. In September 2010, IOV Brazil had a meeting of some countries of South America.

An internet conference was held between the people present in Brazil and President Carmen Padilla in Manila, Philippines and Legal Chair Commission, George Frandsen in Sequim, Seattle. The discussion focused on the issues regarding the Festivals. Many more initiatives have been undertaken to put IOV in a solid foundation in many parts of the world. I will need more time to mention all the hardworking and dedicated IOV members. We salute them and pray for more success in the work. The important thing is to keep things moving and achieving in a more persistent manner no matter what the obstacles. This is

the spirit that IOV should sustain. We have a lot more to do in other parts of the world but we are moving in phases. In the meantime, let us look into what we should do in the near future. The administrative setup was planned

in Hungary in a meeting of the Executive Secretaries-General where the continents were given leaders to attend to the work of IOV in the continent. Organizing at the early stage is always a difficult task. We have to support each other. This decentralization is necessary to make IOV more effective. The individual initiatives are crucial to get to where we want IOV to go. Just as we are decentralizing the leadership, we should also have the presence of the different commissions in the different continents. Where do we go from here? As a UNESCO affiliate, IOV has to work in tandem with the programs laid out by its mother agency. In the next couple of years we, in IOV

!have to look into the main agenda items of UNESCO. The Convention on the Promotion and the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has been ratified by the majority of the State Parties of UNESCO. It, therefore, follows that this becomes the law of the country members. We in IOV are fortunate to have been there long before this convention, at least 20 years ahead. IOV visions and goals are in perfect coordination with the ICH program of UNESCO. Therefore, we shall push further the programs of IOV as envisioned by our founder, the promotion and protection of folk art and culture. Let me show you some very practical approaches mentioned in the UNESCO publication on Cultural Diversity. A UNESCO statement regarding a new paradigm is based on the 3 Ds: Diversity, Dialogue and Development. We have to be in touch with the society we live in and make culture relevant, very relevant to society and to national programs or we will alienate ourselves and lose the

partnerships and support which we need from the different sectors of society. Therefore, we have to do some aggressive moves like: 1. Deepening the national

or international debate on cultural diversity. The universities and the rest of the academic institutions should use their venues for such debates. IOV has done a number of conferences on cultural issues and these should be continued. Universities around the world have been hosts to IOV fora.

2. Taking note of the best practices with regard to cultural pluralism in the local level and internationally. This should give the inspiration to country participants to pursue their programs on multiculturalism. We could have the “IOV Prize for the Best Practice”

3. Taking note of the multilingual situation of countries and encouraging the promotion of indigenous languages to safeguard the linguistic heritage of humanity.

4. Constant review of educational curricula to preserve culturally acceptable methods of transmitting knowledge and communication. The “living treasures’ are the best proofs of indigenous knowledge and should be the best communicators of tradition.

5. We should continuously update our “digital literacy” projects in relation to cultural preservation. There are many efforts to use modern technology to ensure the long life of intangible heritage. In relation to this, the world organizations are managed via the internet and IOV should maximize the use of this technology. The Memory of the World Program of UNESCO has just concluded a digitization seminar-workshop of intangible cultural heritage.

6. Media is the most effective form of communication and education. IOV should have more visibility in all forms of media in order to gain support for its programs.

7. Artists have to share in the productivity of a country through their art works. Artistic exchanges as in festivals and other multilateral exchanges should be pursued to upgrade the level of artistic expression through exposure to other cultures. This will enhance the indigenous talents.

8. The preservation of oral and intangible cultural heritage is of primary

importance. Local government should see the value of Diversity and Dialogue to Development. Then IOV can come in and help with the programs.

9. The programs in support of children and the greater participation of women should be pursued.

This list may be endless but suffice it to say that the work of IOV is just starting even if we are celebrating 30 years.

We are young considering the centuries old civilizations we are trying to help preserve.

This is the challenge we all face in the next decades of IOV. For those who continue to serve we will pursue IOV’s vision of peace, mutual understanding, respect and organization. We will never lose hope with the help of God. Thank you.

IOV President Carmen D. Padilla and UNESCO Director General Irina Burkova.

!

In 1980, the Rocky Mountain Dancers (RMD) participated in the International Folkloric Festival of Nice France. Also participating that year was a group of Austrians, directed by Alexander Veigl. Mr. Veigl met RMD director George Frandsen and invited him to become a member of IOV. George joined and became the first IOV member living in the US. Over the years, there have been many USA members, but it wasn’t until 2008 that the first national section was formed. Carmen D. Padilla, IOV President, paid a visit to the home of George Frandsen in Sequim, Washington at a time when the USA members were planning to meet. Carmen suggested the group form an official section, which they did right after her visit.

The first national section in the USA was formed in late 2008. IOV USA was organized under the laws of the State of Washington as a nonprofit corporation. An application for tax-exempt status was then filed with the Government of the United States. The application was approved and today, money donated to IOV USA can be deducted from the income tax the donor would otherwise owe. At the time the section was organized, there were only a few individual members and one festival member in the entire United States. To encourage membership, the section adopted a policy of providing membership benefits first and asking for membership fees later. In most cases, festivals and individuals joined without being asked once they were aware of how

membership in IOV could be beneficial. Today, there are 35 individual members and 9 festival and institutional members. An early project of the new section was to organize a World Youth Congress for all IOV members. Emma Dugal, Executive Director of the Bountiful Davis Art Center (BDAC) agreed to host the congress in conjunction with Summerfest International. Larry Baird and Janet Seamons, two former RMD dancers were recruited to help. These individuals formed the nucleus of the new section.

IOV USA National Section

By Larry Baird, Chair

IOV USA is supported by the following festivals: Summerfest International, Bountiful, Utah - Emma Dugal, Executive Director Springville World Folkfest, Springville, Utah - Donna Breckenridge, General Director South Jordan’s International Days, South Jordan, Utah - Shawnda Bishop, Festival Director Folkfest, Mufreesboro, Tennessee - Steven Cates, Festival Director Yocona International Folk Festival, Mississippi – Mary Sloan and Roza Winslow, directors Idaho International Dance and Music Festival - Donna Benfield, Festival Director

At the General Assembly of IOV in Mödling, Austria, in 1994, I was elected president of the International Commission on Festivals and, during this Assembly, I organised a meeting with all representatives of festivals to discuss items of interest for the festival organizers. We concluded that most

urgent was the publication of an IOV Festival Calendar. In 1996 the first IOV Festival Calendar was produced with festivals in 37 countries. Next year the cover was printed in full-colour. From the beginning, the photos were by Harry Berger from the Netherlands. From the start, producing the Calendar (collecting data, typescripts, lay-out, printing and

distribution) has been problematic for reason of lack of finances. Several countries (Netherlands, Hungary, Estonia, and Mongolia) have contributed to printing the Calendar. For the past 12 years, Mrs. Munkhnasan Dunguu from Mongolia has organized the calendar. From my point of view the Calendar has contributed to the exchange of groups all over the world.

IOV - International Commission on Festivals/Traditional Performing

By Rikus Draijer

! Groups are able to select festivals in a particular country and during a suitable time. At the same time they can try to arrange a tour with several festivals with connected dates. It makes the tour for the group more attractive and effective, especially for long-distance travel to other continents.

At the same time, the Calendar is very convenient for festival organizers to contact colleagues and investigate their interest in specific groups. With about 200 festivals inviting approximately 10 groups of about 30 members, there is an exchange of intangible cultural heritage all over the world of about 60,000 individuals. The transfer by buses and planes creates an enormous impact on the economy. If the festivals have an average of 5,000 visitors, the 200 festivals in the Calendar create a number of 1,000,000 visitors looking at intangible cultural heritage from all over the world (this number is rather low, because the Mask Dance Festival in Andong (KOR) has every year about 1,000,000 visitors!). The IOV Festival Calendar has contributed to this result.

The Bulgarian national section of IOV was established parallel to the creation of the organization itself. Alexander Veigl contacted Prof. Todor Djidjev, who in turn began gathering supporters. Luben Botusharov was one of the first members of the organization. For many years he worked side by side with Prof. Djidjev. Over the years, the members of the Bulgarian national section of IOV actively

participated in IOV events such as academic and public forums, festivals and others. Representatives of IOV Bulgaria took lively part in the congresses of the organization and discussions related to its problems. The Bulgarian members of IOV were also very active in the orientation of the interests of the organization towards the issues actually raised by UNESCO, in connection with

intangible cultural

heritage. IOV

obtained its expert status

with UNESCO for

the intangible cultural heritage, held during the fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee in the autumn of 2009 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Individual initiatives have been conducted in the country under the patronage of IOV. Among them is the International Festival “Vitosha”, which is held in July in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. In the past, the Secretary-General of IOV and members of the organization from other countries have been guests of the festival. IOV gave patronage a few years

IOV Bulgaria By Dr. Mila Santova

From left Carmen D. Padilla IOV President, Mila Santova IOV Bulgaria, ICH delegate, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture.

!ago to the international academic conference, titled “The Coast, the Sea, Europe: Models of Intercultural Communication”, held in Pomorie on the coast of the Black Sea. The conference was attended by several members of the organization from different countries such as Latvia, Turkey etc. At a meeting of the Bulgarian national section of IOV, the organization recently reestablished its existence and reelected Prof. Todor Djidjev as its chairman. Additionally, the Bulgarian IOV Youth section has recently been created.

From left ICH delegate, Cecile Duvelle UNESCO ICH program director, Carmen D. Padilla IOV President and Mila Santova IOV Bulgaria.

IOV Youth Bulgaria By Luba Pirgova

The International Organization of Folk Arts is an organization that can and should inspire youth to participate and seek to learn more about culture and identity. It was in this spirit that the youth of Bulgaria organized and formed IOV Youth BG. With guidance and advice from Prof. Mila Santova, an official representative of IOV Bulgaria and now IOV youth BG honorary member, the youth commission set out to create the youth section, its goals, values and projects. At a preliminary meeting on the 9th of September, the ideas were evaluated and much needed

guidance was given which allowed the youth commission to focus its goals. At the official meeting on the 13th of September a declaration was signed and later submitted to IOV BG in order to recognize the existence of the youth section officially. This declaration includes a complete list of the goals and how IOV Youth BG seeks to

accomplish these goals. The declaration was signed by the current active committee with Hristo Neikov as president, Luba Pirgova and Ivan Popov as vice presidents (relations and technical respectively), Nora Velichkova as secretary and Boriana Hristova over practical folklore. At the moment, IOV Youth BG has begun

the creation of an official website, a blog and a forum. It has also begun to organize an archive in order to preserve the culture which can be recorded. With regard to the intangible cultural heritage, IOV youth BG has begun its focus on two specific projects: the singing styles of Pirin village and Satovcha. The first project focuses on the preservation of living cultural heritage by encouraging its diachronic passing directly from the elderly to the youth. As part of this project, since there are no youth in the village to continue the existence of the singing practices, several young girls have already begun to travel back and forth between the village and the capital in an attempt to learn the songs directly from the singers in the village. Hristo Neikov is the project leader. The

second project is at its very beginning, but it also seeks to encourage the direct communication between teacher and student in Satovcha. Satovcha is famous for its “high singing” or four level singing. The four levels are accomplished by four singers who often sing two separate songs, each in two voices; the crossing of the songs creates the four levels. IOV Youth BG is still a very young organization but we hope that other youth members around the world may follow our example and create other organized youth sections. These youth sections are a vital part of the future of IOV as an organization and they can also help preserve and spread the intangible cultural heritage - a heritage which in its essence is a part of us, our past, and our current identity.

!

The AMDF, AC. From 2004, the Folklore Festival of Mexico City has had six uninterrupted editions with very positive results. These were participated in by dance and music international groups from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Spain, Italy, Paraguay, Peru, Czech Republic and Venezuela, together with local groups from the states of the Mexican Republic.

Communities from Columbia, Ecuador, Spain, Haiti and Peru living in Mexico City were represented in the festival by performing the folk dances of their respective countries. The Festival organizes folk dancers and musicians of countries of the world, including the communities residing in Mexico City, on the third week of October each year. As host, the

IOV México: Festival Internacional de Folklore

By José Luis Vidales

Festival offers free room, board and transportation during the duration of the festival in Mexico City. It also offers guided tours to the museums amd archeological sites such as Teotihuacan. The foreign groups have to cover the cost of their trip to Mexico City. Performances of the Festival are held in important cultural venues such as El Teatro de la Ciudad, el Alcázar del Castillo de Chapultepec, Sala de Sorteos de la Lotería Nacional and other public plazas of the 16 municipalities of the Federal District. The Asociación Mexicana para el Desarrollo del Folklore is a non-governmental organization which is a

member of IOV and which organizes the Festival with the cooperation of volunteers and donations from both government and private institutions.

Information, rules and photos can be viewed on the website: www.folkmexico.org; On Facebook: Festival Internacional de Folklore; Or contact: vidalesg@prodigy.net.mx; asociación@folkmexico.org; pepevidales@hotmail.com.

During the International Folk Art Festival of Krems in 1979, representatives of the European performing groups, which had been working together since the 1960‘s, decided to bring their extensive worldwide contacts together in a structured international organization of folk art. For this purpose, a meeting was organized in Oostrozebeke, Belgium in October 1979

where the “International Organization für Volkskunst” (IOV) was founded. “I” stands for International, “O” for Organization and “V” for Folk Art. It was decided to have the main office in Austria. For that reason the name of the organization was to be in German. The founding members were:

• Mr. Alexander Veigl

from Austria • Mr. Philippe Durizy

from France • Mr. Erik Nilsson

from Sweden • Mr. Etienne

Vankeirsbilck from Belgium

IOV Belgium: Brief History of 30 years of IOV

By Etienne Vankeirsbilck, Vice President and Co-Founder of IOV

! Erik, Philippe and Alexander passed away some years ago. Mr. Alexander Veigl became the Secretary-General, and was active until 2005. I was elected as Vice President for Europe in 1985. The aim of the founders was to build bridges between people, and to promote greater understanding, peace, tolerance and harmony among all countries of the world. Alexander Veigl was a man who maintained a close relationship with the members of IOV. He never missed any General Assembly, conference or meeting near or far from Austria. On January 1, 1980, IOV had its humble beginning and started its activities, which continued until 1983, the year in which year IOV was recognized with status C by UNESCO. In 1999 the UNESCO Executive Board passed a resolution to classify IOV in category B, in accordance with the new guidelines.

When IOV was founded, the initial aim was not to found a worldwide organization, but to coordinate our contacts and associates to form a small European organization. As a result of the efforts of the founders, more and more groups, organizations and private individuals expressed a desire to become members of the organization. The confidence of the collaborators led to the fact that IOV is now the largest worldwide international folk art organization of its kind, with a membership that includes ministries, universities, scientists, folk art festivals, folk art groups and museums all over the world. Meanwhile, various IOV commissions and many national sections were organized. In Europe almost all of the countries had a national representative, with many of them organizing folk art events, conferences, festivals and so forth. Etienne Vankeirsbilck is the only one of the founders of IOV still alive. Now that he is retired from his profession and dance ensemble, he devotes full time to his work

with IOV. Through his work many have had the opportunity to participate in international dance festivals and cultural exchanges. Through these endeavors, Etienne continues to promote international friendship and respect. He has been honored for his work worldwide. Individuals and festival organizations all over the world have benefited from his work and shared knowledge in close cooperation with Secretary-General, Alexander Veigl. In 2006, in honor of his contributions to IOV and folk art, Etienne was awarded with the Honorary Certificate of Shanghai Baoshan. In 2008 he became Honorary Citizen of the City of Bountiful, Utah, USA and received the Outstanding Contribution Award of the China Shanghai Baoshan International Folk Arts Festival. Recently he was active as a co-author of the book about Folk costumes in Flanders, Belgium, Van hoed tot ondergoed.

IOV China By Emma Chen Hoefler, Vice President of

IOV and Chair of IOV China

IOV China was established in March, 2008. In the past 3 years it has earned the support of and assistance from different departments such as the Ministry of Culture, the State Ethnic Affairs Commission, the Ministry of Education and China ICH Center. In the beginning, there was one staff member (me) and no funds at all. The first step was the hardest. Thanks to friends in our circle, I was invited to one of the biggest movie festivals in June 2008, in order to promote IOV. During the festival, I introduced IOV and what it does. Through the live TV broadcast, IOV gained an extensive reputation in one night. I received news from officials of the Ministry of Culture that the Nanjing Yunjin Hand-Weaving Technology Institute was

applying for a member on the representative list of ICH UNESCO. It was a perfect opportunity to show the capability of IOV with international coordination. Therefore, I invited Mrs. Carmen Padilla and other

PC members to the Yunjin Hand-Weaving Technology Institute for a visit and evaluation, where a seminar on the process of applying was held. During the seminar, some experiences on

completing applications were exchanged and IOV was empowered officially to receive assistance with the application process. Also, the plan of the 2nd IOV Youth Congress was consulted and adopted by the Nanjing government.

In 2008, in spite of no sponsors, we selected twelve youth to go to the 1st IOV Youth Congress in the United States with funds raised by ourselves. The Yunjin Hand-Weaving Technology Institute was

! one of them. Many youth know more about ICH because of it. The 1st Global Forum on the Protection of the Endangered Cultural Heritage at Jiuzhaigou came to a successful conclusion on October 26, 2009. It was organized by IOV China and generally and highly praised by the Ministry of Culture and the ICH Center. At present, the second forum is being arranged.

Joint efforts are always being made to expand cooperation with the State Ethnic Affairs Commission (SEAC). A dance troupe called Wulanmuqi was selected to the DUKAT Festival. In 2010, another troupe was selected to go to three international

festivals in the United States. All of activities deepened the mutual trust between SEAC and IOV China. In 2009, we offered help to the memorial hall for the victims of the Nanjing massacre by Japanese invaders. With Carmen’s assistance, a bilateral exhibition between China and Philippines was held in Nanjing. At present, we are still working with this project.

In 2010, IOV China will hold the 2nd IOV Youth Congress and 30th anniversary of IOV in cooperation with Nanjing Municipality. Dozens of masters in state protection will be invited to the Congress in order to demonstrate traditional

handicrafts and show the importance of traditional culture to more youth. In Oct 2009, Nanjing Yunjin Hand-Weaving Technology Institute was listed as part of ICH UNESCO. I’m filled with rejoicings as one of the hardworking members in the whole process. It makes me know the value of my career better. At present, when you search on the internet for IOV or my name, you will find at least 3000 pieces of news,

which is the result of our efforts in three years. The harder we work on publicizing IOV, the more people will join in the career in safeguarding traditional culture. Welcome to IOV!

Near Siroki Brijeg, in West Herzegovina, a project has been launched to build a center where the culture of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be preserved. When completed, the project will include a museum to house cultural relics and artifacts, a botanical garden featuring specimens of the abundant flora of the region, an outdoor collection of traditional buildings, including a farm house and stone out-buildings, and two large buildings where three breeds of animals unique to the region will be protected as part of a breeding program aimed at eventually returning them to farms. The animal breeds consist of a rare domestic cow, a

donkey, which is reputed to be the smallest donkey breed in the world, and a small horse. All three are part of the culture and history of the region and have been relied on by the people there for food and labor for over 1,500 years. There are presently about 80 animals, which include 40 cows and 20 each of the horses and donkeys. These are the only remaining specimens of the three breeds. Over the course of the past few years, Dr. Ivo Ravic, a veterinarian in the region, was able to round up these survivors of the war and now has them together on a small farm. Their stay on the farm was intended to be very short, as the project to build the center where they will be cared for and bred was to have been completed in 2009. When the project began, there was support for it

from the government. Land was acquired on a lease in perpetuity, an underground water system was installed for irrigation and for the animals, and fences were mostly installed and the main gate was hung. Next the two largest buildings, which were to house the animals and include classroom space and a conference center, were started. The walls and floors were finished and the workers were ready to move on to the doors, windows and roof when construction was halted. The government had cut funding. Although the government is obligated by contract to pay another $70,000, nobody can predict when that money will actually come in. For the next 18 months, no progress was made. A plea for help went out from Dr. Ravic and IOV member Dr. Ruzica Soldo. Only a few IOV members

IOV Project in Bosnia and Herzegovina

By George Frandsen

!responded. In the name of IOV, they were able to raise $70,000 needed for the roof. Another $20,000 for the doors and windows is all that remains to be raised. During the past year, it has been an enormous hardship on Ivo to try to come up with money to keep the animals fed. The daily food requirements cost about $100.00. If the doors and windows were installed, the animals could be moved in and there would still be enough space for some tenants. The rental income, combined with money raised from selling the milk, would be enough to buy food to get the animals through the coming winter. The final chapter of this story remains to be written. The dedication of Dr. Ivo Ravic and Dr. Ruzica Soldo is legendary. IOV was able to help in a time of need, and a relatively small amount of money is all that is needed to complete this project.

The International Festival of Folklore "Dukatfest" was successfully held in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and involved seven cities in the Republic of Srpska/Bosnia and Herzegovina - Banja Luka, Laktasi, Prijedor, Mrkonjic Grad, Modrica, Derventa, and Gradiska. "Dukatfest” is the only annual festival in the Republic of Srpska/Bosnia and Herzegovina. Every year it hosts about 300 participants from 10 countries worldwide. In the Republic of Srpska, folklore has occupied a prominent place in the cultural

development of its citizens for centuries. For this reason, the Festival and "Misija nt" aim to introduce citizens of the Republic of Srpska/Bosnia and Herzegovina to the culture of different countries in the world, and also to their own cultural heritage. It should be noted that, after the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1991-1995), a smaller number of people than before were able to visit countries in Europe and the rest of the world because of decreased financial ability and unresolved visa issues. With the goal of intercultural

International Folk Dance Festival “DUKATFEST” Bosnia and Herzegovina

By Nataliya Trivic

Mrs. Carmen Padilla (IOV president), Nataliya Trivic, and Mr. Hans Holz (IOV Secretary-General)

education, "Dukatfest" brings many different ensembles from all over the world to various cities and, through direct communication with the participants, builds intercultural dialog and understanding. Not only do Serbians have the opportunity to learn more about the rest of the world, but groups who attend “Dukatfest” also learn more about Serbia, and leave with a positive image of the country and its people. Thousands of people view the Festival over the course of five days. Approximately 7,000 people visited events at the Festival in 2010, and caused the organizers of the Festival to increase their efforts to expand the program into a number of cities. "Dukatfest" could not be held without the understanding and financial support of the government of the Republic of Srpska that

was, in previous years, the largest sponsor of this cultural event. The Festival has also received support from IOV. The International Festival of Folklore "Dukatfest" in Banja Luka is one of the activities of the Agency for Cultural Events, "Misija nt”, and has been affiliated with the agency since 2007. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we now also have an IOV representative.

Contact information: International Folk Dance Festival "Dukatfest" Poljski Partizanski Bataljon 24 78000 Banja Luka Bosnia and Herzegovina www.iff-dukat.com dukatfest@yahoo.com

!

We are IOV Youth Indonesia. The first pilot project of IOV Indonesia Youth was to develop two children’s groups from two different schools. The first is Sekolah Islam Tugasku in Pulomas, Jakarta, who succeeded present Indonesia at PEV – Kolleji !lkö"retim Okulu 1st International Children Folk Dance and Music festival / DEN!ZL! – TÜRK!YE, 21-26 April 2010 in Denizli Turkey. We proudly announce that the second team, from Sekolah Menengah Pertama Al Ikhlas, won Best Performer at Sun Golden International Children Folklore Dance competition on 3rd Fethiye International Children’s Festival in Fethiye, Turkey.

We also proudly announce our activity this summer (2010). IOV Youth Indonesia supplemented 3 different University Folklore groups from Jakarta and nearby to join an International Folklore Festival abroad. We are working with Kencana Pradipa from the University of Indonesia to participate in a two-month program of International Folklore Festival in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands as follows:

1. Attending XXVII FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE MÚSICA, DANZA Y CANCIONES POPULARES 'FOLK DEL MUNDO', JAEN, SPAIN 2010

2. Attending FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE FOLKLORE 'CIUDAD DE CÁDIZ' , CADIZ, SPAIN, 2010

3. Elaborated program with Indonesian Embassy and MUSEE DE ORIENTE, LISBON, PORTUGAL, July 2010.

4. Attending FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE FOLCLORE RIO, BARCELOS, PORTUGAL 2010.

5. Attending MOSTRA FOLKLORICA INTERNATIONAL POPULAR DE VIVEIRO, SPAIN, 2010.

6. Attending FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL FOLCLORE DE NARON, CORUNA, SPAIN, 2010.

7. Attending FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL FOLCLORE PONTE MOURO E ALVARINHO, MONCAO, PORTUGAL, 2010.

8. Attending FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL FOLCLORE XORNADAS DE OURESNE, SPAIN, 2010.

IOV Youth of Indonesia By Andris Adhitra

9. Attending FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL FOLCLORE MUESTRA FOLCLORICA DE LOS PUEBLOS, TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS.

10. Attending a folklore festival in Varna, Bulgaria.

The University of Paramadina participated in two different international folklore festivals in Poznan and Warsaw Poland as follows:

1. The International Folk Festival "WARSFOLK" (MFF "WARSFOLK"), Warsaw, POLAND 2010.

2. The International Folk Festival World Folk Review INTEGRATION, Poznan, Poland 2010.

The team of University of Paramadina received an award from the European Union.

By the support of the IOV YOUTH Indonesia, choreographers, artistic and music directors, all the participants observed and learned many different dances from different indigenous tribes of

Indonesia. About ninety youth, working with their own teams, learned the story behind each dance, the music they played, and some rituals to be performed on stage, with magnificent folklore groups from around the world. All the team performed at a high quality of artistic level and gave more color to the festival.

As a cultural mission, each team shared their ideas and points of view about culture, customs and traditions with other folklore groups from around the world and the local people where they stayed. Also in July 2010, our IOV Youth team met with Mrs. Carmen Padilla, and had a conversation with her about how IOV YOUTH Indonesia could work and discussed important projects for the coming years. To check on the details of our activity, please visit our official blog: http://iovindonesiayouth.blogspot.com/. We thank you for all your support. Hopefully we will contribute to the development of culture and traditions of the world.

!

My involvement with IOV World began when Alexander Veigl invited me to contribute my work on behalf of IOV. As Executive Secretary of IOV America and, after the reform of the statutes, Executive Secretary of IOV South America, I had the opportunity to work toward a culture of peace. In 2009 we organized the "1st WORLD CONGRESS OF PEACE IN THE AMERICAS", bringing together scientists, researchers, officials linked to human rights, and experts in peace from all over the world, with the sole purpose of achieving world peace among different peoples. The twenty invited speakers and panelists discussed strategies for the feasibility of actions to promote the Culture of Peace and Nonviolence

for a week and exchanges experiences with renowned people like David Adams, former director of the UNESCO and expert on the culture of peace. As parallel events, we had shows with folkloric groups, photo exhibitions and the Forum of Young Volunteers for Peace Culture. With an audience of approximately 150 people per day, the event brought together authorities with national and international experts engaged in the Culture of Peace and Nonviolence and Educators Network, which discussed actions, values and commitments that contribute to the reduction of violence. They also presented ideas and projects that worked in their places of origin.

World Congress of Peace in the Americas

By Helena Lourenço, Honorary President of ABrasOFFA

The first years of IOV activity were devoted mainly to organizational matters - acquiring new members and building up a structure which included national sections and commissions. But also, from the very beginning, Secretary-General of the IOV Alexander Veigl understood the importance of scientific research for the documentation, preservation and popularization of the rich and varied heritage of traditional folk culture. Having this in mind, he managed to attract to IOV many renowned researchers and experts in the field of folk culture. He also gained support for IOV activity among several universities and research institutions from all over the world. In order to use this great scientific potential for the

benefit of IOV, Alexander Veigl proposed, at the IOV General Assembly in Monastir (Tunisia) in August 1986, the creation of the International Commission for Science and Research. The main aim of the Commission was to inspire, initiate and coordinate research on traditional folk culture and to popularize the results of this research worldwide. Professor Mieczyslaw Marczuk, the researcher from the Maria Curie-Sk!odowska University, Lublin, Poland, was appointed Chairman of the Commission. His task was to prepare the program of the Commission's activities and to propose new members. In July 1987, at the General Assembly held in Larissa, Greece, Prof. Marczuk presented the

program for the years 1987-1990 and proposed the candidates to the Commission who were chosen among renowned and highly appreciated specialists on traditional folk culture from different research institutes from five continents. His proposals were approved by the General Assembly and the first plenary session of the newly appointed Commission was held. The program of the activities of the IOV International Commission for Science and Research was as follows: - the initiation, support and coordination of research on accumulation, systematization and

An outline of the IOV Scientific Activity

By Dr. Mieczys!aw Marczuk, Poland

This article is an attempt to give an outline of the International Organization of Folk Art scientific activity.

!preservation of the heritage of traditional folk culture carried out by research institutions as well as individuals all over the world - the presentation and popularization of the results of research at local and international conferences, symposia and seminars as well as in publications and mass media - the use of folk culture in education in order to inculcate universal and national values of traditional folk culture for preservation of national identity and patriotism, tolerance, friendship and peaceful coexistence among nations - the establishment of IOV national sections and the support of their activity and cooperation with UNESCO, ministries of culture from different countries and other entities involved in activities connected with traditional folk culture One of the important aspects of the IOV Scientific Commission's activity was the initiation and organization of world congresses and European conferences on folk culture in cooperation with the IOV Executive Board and

Secretary General. The 1st

IOV World Congress on Folk Culture was held in August 1988 in Gorizia, Italy. Its aim was to define the role of IOV in the execution of the program launched by UNESCO - The World Decade of Cultural Development (1988-1997). The next ten years of the activity of IOV were focused on the guidelines presented in that program, in particular, on the contribution of folk culture to peaceful coexistence and understanding between nations. Over one hundred IOV delegates from 5 continents participated in the Congress. The 2nd IOV World Congress on Folk Culture took place in April 1995 in Mödling (Austria). Its theme was Contemporary threats to folklore and the future of folk culture. Delegates from different countries analyzed the role of folk culture in the preservation of peace and tolerance. The 3rd IOV World Congress in September 2005 in Andong, South Korea, had the theme Folk culture and folk art as a fundamental cultural heritage of all peoples

worldwide. The Congress was organized mainly by the IOV Executive Board for Asia and the IOV Korean Section. The Congress presented a rich variety of folk culture of Asian peoples. Particularly important for the popularization of traditional folk culture in Europe were conferences inspired and supported by the IOV International Commission for Science and Research. Their main organizers were IOV national sections, with the participation of Ministries of Culture, national UNESCO commissions, universities and cultural associations. Twelve events of this kind took place in different countries between 1989 and 2010. The participants were from various European countries as well as from other continents. The themes of the conferences were the following: 1. Future of European cultural heritage, Bursa (Turkey), June 1989 2. The role of folk culture in creating the common European home, Nowgorod (Russia), June 1990 3. Threats to folk culture, Sárvár (Hungary), April 1992

4. Cultural identity of ethnic minorities in unifying Europe – chances for safeguarding and threats, France, August 1994 5. Condition of folk culture on the threshold of the third millennium, Mauterndorf (Austria), April 1996 6. Threats to folk culture in the process of European integration, Minsk (Belarus), September 1997 7. Folk culture and tourism, Nicosia (Cyprus), September 1998 8. Chances for folk culture in the process of European integration, Bucharest–Sibiu–Deva (Romania), August 1999 9. Folk culture and tourism and their contribution to the culture of peace, Colmar (France), July 2000 10. Europe of nations and folk cultures, Vienna (Austria) – Tren"anske Teplice (Slovakia) – Sárvár (Hungary), May 2002 11. The universal values and national distinctness of traditional European cultures, Lublin – Kazimierz Dolny (Poland), June 2004 12. Folk culture as a source of national symbols in times of globalization, Lublin (Poland), June 2010. Organizers: Prof. Jan Adamowski, and Joanna Paczos – IOV Polish Section

European conferences inspired some national IOV sections to organize domestic conferences on traditional culture with the participation of foreign guests. There were about 40 conferences of that kind organized mainly by national sections of IOV in Austria, Greece and Poland. The Polish Section of IOV was established in 1985 and is still active. Until 2006 the chairman of the Section was Prof. Mieczys!aw Marczuk, supported actively by Prof. Anna Brzozowska- Krajka. Since 2006 Prof. Jan Adamowski has been the Chairman of the Polish Section. The Polish IOV Section chaired by Prof. Mieczys!aw Marczuk, in cooperation with the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, organized the following conferences on folk culture: 1. The National Festival of Folk Bands and Singers in Kazimierz Dolny as a form of safeguarding folk and national culture and cultural education, Lublin, Poland, November 1985 2. Music and folk songs in the industrialized world and the struggle for peace and friendship between nations,

Kazimierz, Poland, June 1986 3. Folk dance today, Lublin, Poland, April 1988 4. Wedding rites and customs in folk culture, Kazimierz, Poland, June 1988 5. Science as an instrument of safeguarding folk culture and the realization of the World Decade of Cultural Development, Sopot, Poland, June 1991 6. Problems of education in the field of folk culture in the view of the World Decade of Cultural Development, Kazimierz, Poland, June 1991 7. Threats to folk culture in the contemporary world and the unifying Europe, Kazimierz, Poland, 1994 8. Polish dance and music folklore, Lublin, Poland, December 1996 The above review shows that the contribution of the IOV scientific endeavors at maintaining and popularizing of traditional folk culture has been important. On the 30th anniversary of the IOV foundation it is worthy of recognition, promotion and creative continuation.

!

My association with the International Organization of Folk Arts (IOV) began when I responded to an invitation sent to me by the former Secretary-General, my friend Alexander Veigl, in 1979. In that year, we were in the Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula, making preparations to establish the Folklore Centre for the Arabian Gulf countries in association and collaboration with seven nations, namely Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. I was supervising the project of establishing the center project, and

hence I took over management of The Arab Gulf States Folklore Centre.

A strong and amicable relationship developed between Alexander and me. I used to visit IOV’s headquarters in the city of Molding, Austria, every time there was a need for holding negotiations and talks on the organization’s situation and conditions. At the same time, Alexander visited the city of Doha, in Qatar 1982, where the headquarters of the center are located. Professor Saleh Al Mahdi, from Tunisia, was the President of

IOV, while Mr. Alexander Veigl was the Secretary-General. He was full of dynamism through his constant contacts and outreach, which extended to cover all members of the organization on earth. We considered his death an irretrievable loss for IOV. However, Mrs. Carmen D. Padilla succeeded him in the organization, demonstrating the same activity and dynamism. During her tenure, IOV became more interactive and organized, becoming one of the organizations enjoying high international repute.

IOV Bahrain: Stronger Bonds among People of the World

By Ali Abdulla Khalifa, Secretary, IOV regional office for Middle

East & North Africa

In my capacity as Assistant Secretary-General of the Middle East and North Africa of the IOV, and from the regional headquarters in the city of Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, I continued my activities in the organization. This was part of an ambitious plan to enhance the specialized and academic aspects of the organization’s activities which has focused, during the last few years, on demonstrative and festival aspects, on reinstating the members of IOV in the region to re-energize their role and making them associated with the organization anew and, at the same time,

attracting new members, in addition to establishing chapters for IOV in the region and publishing a quarterly Arabic academic journal specializing in folklore, with English and French summaries, under the name Folk Culture (www.folkculturebh.org). So far, eleven issues have been published, receiving constant material support by His Majesty the King of Bahrain.

Contacts were

maintained with the older living members of the organization registered in the official records in the region, and they were encouraged to be more closely associated with

Folk Culture Magazine – Issue No.5

North African Music Group

IOV’s activities. IOV sections were established in Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Sudan and Jordan, and preparations are afoot to establish new sections in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and the Sultanate of Oman.

!

The Regional Office’s activities focused on organizing specialized academic seminars and events for professors and scholars in their fields of specialization. It also formed field teams to collect folklore materials and charged Dr. Noor Al Houda Badis with the task of supervising and training members of the field teams, in addition to being President of the Organization’s section in Tunisia and co-coordinating activities in the North African countries. At the same time, the task of co-coordinating the academic body in the region was assigned to Professor Mohammed Al Nouiri, who is the editorial manager of the journal.

The Regional

Office was established in collaboration with the

Ministry of Information in Bahrain to organize the Bahrain International Folklore Arts Festival, which was held in 2007 and 2008. Groups from IOV took part in the event.

The Regional Office continued to promote IOV’s activities and publish cultural information about its activities in the local press, and arrange meetings with senior officials in the countries of the region to explain the nature of the activities of the organization and the need to establish more sections in the countries where it has no presence yet. The Regional Office in Bahrain hosted the organization’s presidential meeting in December 2008 and made arrangements for the meeting between the members of the Presidential Council’s members with His Majesty the King of Bahrain. At the same time, the office was involved in publishing the IOV calendar of

events for 2009 and took part, through different teams, in the international meetings and the regular meetings organized by IOV. It is also planning, in co-operation with the Presidential Council, to host the meeting of the General Assembly in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which will coincide with an international academic conference during the next two years.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of IOV, I’m highly pleased and privileged to express my deepest congratulations to the organization and to all its members all over the world. I wish them more success in serious-minded activities and efforts in the service of folklore culture in order to strengthen bonds and links among the people of the world.

• Urging university communities, including professors, researchers and students in their third year to be actively involved in scientific research in folk culture and calling on them to publish their research works in Folk Culture, the specialized magazine which is headquartered at the Regional Office in Bahrain.

• Contacting academic institutions and those responsible for culture in Arab countries to

establish a consistent and coherent strategy for dealing with folk culture material, through collection, collation, documentation and study. In this respect, we paid a visit to fraternal Morocco, in my capacity as coordinator of the North African region of IOV, in the company of Mr. Ali Abdulla Khalifa, the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). During this visit, we met with the Moroccan Minister of Culture, Mrs.Thuraya Jabran, and signed a number of agreements with her.

• In the same context, partnership agreements were signed between Bahrain Regional

Office and a number of Arab universities in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Sudan, and other countries for the purpose of paying special attention to, and focusing on, the specialized academic field which we consider a vital sector of human culture.

• Collaborating with the Regional Center to organize specialized academic seminars

dealing with different aspects of the intangible and material folk culture and to present through working papers and debates specific topics for which the Folk Culture magazine has been a forum.

• Leading a research team, under my purview, being Director of Field Research in the

Region, consisting mainly of third year students, and charging them with tasks and research works under my supervision. The project has begun to bear fruit, and the Folk Culture magazine issued in Bahrain is one of the main media of publishing them.

The Tunisian Section of the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV), which is coming under my purview and supervision, is working on the following tasks:

IOV Tunisia Activities By Dr. Noor El Houda Badis

!

IOV Korea’s office was established in Korea in 1994 under the auspices of IOV Headquarters. After its establishment, IOV Korea cooperated with many local governments in Korea and has until now held about 30 international festivals. The greatest achievement of all of IOV Korea was investing and working heavily in the ancient city of Andong in Korea. As a result, the IOV World Congress was successfully held. An international organization, IMACO (International Mask Art & Culture Organization), was successfully established, for which IOV actively worked and provided tailored cooperation to fit the particularities of the ancient city of Andong.

As such, the Andong City Hall, its mayor, and citizens conveyed a very positive and thankful message to IOV. This is a result of IOV having dutifully worked based on its mandate of contributing to world peace through cultural exchanges. Andong city’s Confucius and folk culture have been successfully handed down since ancient times without conflict between the classes based on its folk culture of masks. To this day, IOV has steadily publicized to UNESCO and global organizations the historical value of Andong and its contribution to humanity. As a result, in 2010, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage City. This is again an outcome of IOV having actively

cooperated with Andong and IOV is proud of the achievement. We are now starting to work to make Andong and Confucianism, which is still very much alive in the city, known to the world as cultural heritages. I am confident this will again proceed successfully. Further, we have established an office responsible for Asia in 2000 under the agreement of IOV Headquarters. It is pursuing many inter-Asian projects. In particular, it is actively working on civil exchanges, youth exchanges, education supporting projects, cultural program

IOV Korea By Moon Hyung Suk - Korea

exchanges, and binding sister cities and schools. Further, it is actively pursuing many international projects in Asia together with governments of Asia and ASEAN. This testifies to our great success even in the field of cultural diplomacy. We are also running three to four similar programs each year in the Philippines, Thailand, China and Indonesia. And IOV-Asia section extended our vision to central Asia since 2000 and other “-stan” countries. We have many activities under the IOV role in Asia. Especially we share our future ideas and visions through cultural exchange. There are traditional arts (dance, music, and theater), crafts, and international festivals etc. We are working with several television companies to produce a documentary to introduce their own traditional arts, crafts, festivals etc. in Asia. This is one of the best ways to introduce Asian culture

via education to people around the world. We co-organized an international art festival (World Culture Expo) with the Cambodian government and 32 other countries, the International Lantern Festival in Taiwan, Shanghai Art Festival in China, an international craft exchange exposition in Thailand, the International Music Festival in Uzbekistan, etc. We co-operate with international exchange activities among 15 countries in Asia, with their governments. We are also working to help Asian peoples understand each other by holding many international culture conferences, such as the International Mask Art conference, World Confucianism conference, International Buddist conference, and the International Urban Festival Promotion conference, in Asia. IOV-Asia section vision includes:

- Cultural exchanges

between Asia youth

- Promotion of Asian traditional culture in the world

- Exchanges between people in Asia

- Finding a main sponsor in Asia for IOV-Asia section

- Setting up a stronger network in Asian government body

- Higher academic Asian culture research with universities in Asia

- Find & promote intangible & tangible heritage in Asia

In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to particularly express my deepest gratitude to President Carmen D. Padilla who has always extended help and given full material and emotional support in preparing and implementing all these projects.

!First IOV World Youth Congress: A resounding success!

By Dr. Florence Neubauer and George Frandsen

The Jordanian Association of Folk Art was founded at the end of 2009. Our members are experts and scientists in the field of folk art. We have accomplished many activities such as the establishment of a folk ceremony in Dana Nature Reserve in the province of Tafila. The last event was the international conference held in Amman on June 1 under the sponsorship of Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II. Present were the president of the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV), Carmen Padilla; president of the Middle East Organization of Folk Art, Ali Khalifa; the Secretary-General of the International Association of Folk Art (IOV), Hans Holz; and the Minister of Culture of Jordan, Mr.Shoqom. The Jordanian IOV aims to achieve the following objectives:

1. Study, collect and document folk arts of Jordan, and work to revive and preserve Jordanian culture. 2. Highlight the importance of civilization and cultural and historical folklore in collaboration with Arab and similar international associations. 3. Become aware of how exploitation and recruitment of folklore in cultural products help revive the arts. 4. Work to raise the efficiency of scientific and

IOV Jordan By Dr. Rinad Khatib

professional interests in this heritage and work to maintain it. 5. Set up projects which seek to preserve the folk arts. 6. Establish training courses in the field of folk arts to develop and maintain the culture of Jordan.

!

I met the IOV in 1996 on the occasion of a trip I took to Italy. There I saw several festivals organized by IOV and I became interested in the dissemination and preservation of popular cultures. The following year, my folk group Projection, went to IOV and from then until today I have dedicated myself to preserve the whole wealth of popular culture. I started to improve my group of Brazilian folk

musicians and dancers (of which I am director) by promoting and encouraging research courses. In 1998, I started international folklore festivals in my city - São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, Brazil - that are still going today. In order to give greater support to cultural activities in respect to obtaining financial resources and support from government agencies,

the "Institute Professor Rafael Pasqualini Miquilin-NGO" was created in 2006. This institution was founded in honor of my son who died unexpectedly in 2002 at just 23 years of age, but already he had worked valiantly in favor of Brazilian popular culture. Currently I am the National President and Executive Secretary of IOV Brazil and of IOV South America, which I accepted in March 2010. The focus of my work has been the expansion of IOV in Brazil and South America through the recruitment of new members. The search for people committed to popular culture and folklore of the region has been constant and, thanks to this work, IOV in South America has grown a lot. A policy is being created

IOV Brazil By Terezinha Pasqualini. Miquilin

Regional Executive Secretary of IOV South America & President of IOV Brazil

to develop a team which would organize events such as festivals, fairs, congresses, courses, workshops, forums and other activities. Due to the vast area covered and the large number of demonstrations in the region, we propose establishing various circuits of events in regions which had been previously limited, including all of the territory and all existing instances in South America. We know this is truly a large project; however, we believe it to be possible since we have many affiliated members of IOV and each one will be responsible for his or her own region. Because the regions of South America have a large number of fairs still in their state of purity and originality, without influence of media and modernity, we will take the initiative to preserve them.

A meeting was held in the city of

Criciúma, (southern

Brazil) on 10 and 11

September 2010. This

meeting was attended by representatives of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. They spoke in favor of the proposed movement, confirming their interest in participating in IOV. The work consisted of appointing representatives with a willingness to work in all South American countries. At the meeting in Criciúma, leaders explained what IOV is, and its objectives, advantages and targeting. Participants

were presented with a working model that will guide each member affiliated with IOV, "How to work with popular culture in your region”. Regarding Brazil, I propose to work with all 26 states, seeking to know the characteristics of popular art and to appoint representatives who may be recognized in their work and who are open to all popular arts - not only music and dance but crafts, customs, traditions and cuisine as well. What will enhance that proposal is democratization and assigning roles to persons committed to folk art. Our goal is to ensure that popular culture is preserved.

!

I learned about IOV through my job as Cultural Exchange Director at the Bountiful/Davis Art Center. Though I have only recently joined IOV, I am anxious to become more involved in IOV programs. I am preparing to attend the 2010 Congress in order to network with individuals and organizations with common pursuits and to show my support for the goals and mandates of IOV. In 2007, I graduated Summa Cum Laude in Anthropology and Political Science from Weber State University, Ogden, Utah. I am currently matriculated into an International Relations Masters program at the University of Utah. I chose these disciplines

based on a lifelong interest in cultural systems and the strategic adaptation of folk traditions and subsistence strategies to globalization and development pressures. I have completed three major field studies thus far. My first fieldwork was an examination of sustainable development in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China. I conducted a series of interviews in Dai, Bulang, Aini, and Lahu villages, evaluating socioeconomic and environmental impacts of a worldwide decline in the natural rubber industry on minority communities in that area. My second fieldwork was an ethnographic examination of the

problems and perspectives of Post-Soviet land management on the sociocultural traditions of indigenous reindeer herding nationalities in the Siberian Far-East. I examined how a return to pre-Soviet traditions is functioning as a strategic adaptation to the disappearance of state subsidies. This research included an internship at the Russian Ethnographic Museum and months of fieldwork among a nomadic Evenki reindeer-herding collective in the Sakha Republic. My third body of research was conducted in Kyrgyzstan. From the Kyrgyz capitol Bishkek, I used anthropological and

Youth Involvement in IOV USA

By Joshua Blackwelder

political methodologies to examine the historical adaptation of traditional Kyrgyz sociopolitical family networks to Soviet and post-Soviet political institutions. I first learned of IOV during the Bountiful, Utah Youth Congress. That year, the Bountiful/Davis Summerfest International festival connected with IOV. I had volunteered in the international section of BDSI for years. I was drawn to its celebration of cultural heritage and diversity. In 2009, I was hired as Cultural Exchange Director. In preparation for BDSI 2010, I had the pleasure of working with over 200 international folk dancers, artists, and musicians from ten countries. From assisting with visa procedures to arranging local host families, this work culminated in a fantastic festival attended by over 11,000 visitors. This upcoming year, I plan to organize a Conversations in Culture program, in which

experts will be invited to present at quarterly academic panels on themes that connect visual arts and folk traditions to the humanities. I hope that this program will help the public to not only become familiar with the particularities of the distinct art forms and traditions of various regions, but also to gain insights into the cultural relevance and functions of these arts in society, politics, religion, psychology and history. I feel that the IOV mission statement closely reflects my own

academic interests in preserving folk traditions and researching their adaptation to an ever globalized world. I am excited for the opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues through IOV and to gain exposure to the efforts of others in promoting peace, sustainability, and tolerance worldwide.

! Beautiful, colorful and ornate quilts called rallis are made in south Asia. These quilts are made extensively in Pakistan in Sindh, Baluchistan close to the Indus River, and in southern Punjab. They are also made in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat bordering Sindh. Rallis are made by women of rural villages, nomadic tribes and settled towns. These areas are filled with hundreds of different groups and castes differentiated by religion and occupation. Most of these groups have a tradition of making ralli quilts. For the most part, the quilts are made by women in a family for their own family use. Special rallis are made for weddings, dowries or as gifts to holy men. Occasionally, women will make rallis for sale. There are legends, folk songs and sayings about rallis. Ralli have traditionally been made from hand dyed, recycled cloth and clothing showing the resourcefulness of the

impoverished women who made them. The designs of rallis include patchwork, appliqué and embroidery. The bright colors and patterns make a vivid contrast to the desert environments. Many communities have their own traditional patterns and colors. The great variety of patterns in rallis is intriguing. Questions arise about where they might have come from. Dozens of similar designs have

been found on ancient painted pottery from the Indus Valley Civilization and on current rallis. Excavated pottery from ancient Pirak in Baluchistan has exceptionally detailed geometric designs that are particularly close to ralli motifs. Clear similarities are also found in the carvings of the desert tombs of Sindh and Baluchistan and the patterns of rallis. These evidences plus other old

Ralli Quilts: Traditional Textiles of South Asia

By Patricia Stoddard, Ph. D.

trading records indicate this quilting tradition is possibly thousands of years old. Even though quilting is popular around the world, the ralli quilts in Pakistan and India were fairly “invisible” to the outside world until about 10 years ago. In 2003, the first book on rallis, “Ralli Quilts: Traditional Quilts of Pakistan and India” was published. Rallis have been featured at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico since 2004. Santa Fe, a city with a focus on preserving folk art, invites a juried group of over 100 folk artists from

around the world every year. This Market has encouraged a co-operative of women quilters, Lila Handicrafts from the remote Thar Desert, to provide rallis for the Market. They are using their profits to build and support a primary school for their children. Ralli quilts were introduced to the IOV community in 2009 at the Forum in Jiuzhaigou, China. The International Quilt Study Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, also had an exhibit of rallis and other quilts called “South Asian Seams: Quilts from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh” from May 15 to November 7, 2010. All

these connections are wonderful for the communities that make rallis. The recent flooding in Pakistan has affected approximately 20 million people. Many of these communities make and use rallis. Hopefully the tradition of rallis will be renewed as the rebuilding begins. With the support of individuals and groups like the IOV, it should.

!

Throughout its thirty year existence, IOV has supported and promoted the work of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Both UNESCO and IOV were founded on a belief that peace cannot exist without universal respect for human rights, the rule of law and the dignity of all peoples. UNESCO promotes these human values by advancing educational, scientific and cultural relations among nations; IOV’s areas of special interest are folk art and folk culture as components of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. When UNESCO was founded in November, 1945, the world had just emerged from the most

devastating war in the history of the world. Seventy million people were dead and much of Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific lay in ruins. The 20 countries, or “states parties,” that met in London to draft the UNESCO Constitution were determined that a war of this magnitude - a “war based on the doctrine of inequality of men and races” - would never happen again. An objective on the scale of world peace would require UNESCO to use every resource at its disposal, including an army of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals with specialized expertise and proven ability to contribute to UNESCO’s objectives. NGO’s were

encouraged to implement UNESCO’s programs in areas where UNESCO lacked either a physical presence or technical expertise. In return for these services, NGOs received direct financial support from UNESCO, which in some cases constituted as much as 80 percent of their annual budgets. Soon after IOV was founded, it entered into Status “C” Official Relations with UNESCO. Official relations, at that time, were designated as “A,” “B,” or “C,” with criteria for acceptance into one category or another based largely on the ability of an NGO to implement UNESCO’s programs. A few years after its acceptance as a Status “C” NGO, IOV petitioned UNESCO to review its credentials with an eye toward possible reclassification upward. On June 14, 1990, UNESCO Deputy General Frederico Mayor notified Secretary-General Alexander Veigl that the Executive Board of UNESCO had decided to

IOV and UNESCO: A Partnership in Progress

By George M. Frandsen

encouraged to implement UNESCO’s programs in areas where UNESCO lacked either a physical presence or technical expertise. In return for these services, NGOs received direct financial support from UNESCO, which in some cases constituted as much as 80 percent of their annual budgets. Soon after IOV was founded, it entered into Status “C” Official Relations with UNESCO. Official relations, at that time, were designated as “A,” “B,” or “C,” with criteria for acceptance into one category or another based largely on the ability of an NGO to implement UNESCO’s programs. A few years after its acceptance as a Status “C” NGO, IOV petitioned UNESCO to review its credentials with an eye toward possible reclassification upward. On June 14, 1990, UNESCO Deputy General Frederico Mayor notified Secretary-General Alexander Veigl that the Executive Board of UNESCO had decided to

admit IOV to the “Information and Consultative” category of relations known as “Status B.” Four days later, Secretary General Alexander Veigl announced this decision in a letter addressed to all IOV members and friends: “This recognition of our work,” he wrote, “is a great honor and is the absolute high point of this 10th anniversary year of IOV’s founding.” During the twenty years that followed, the UNESCO/IOV relationship has been redefined at least twice. In 1995, a crisis at UNESCO, followed by reforms, led to a fundamental redefinition of relations between UNESCO and all members of the NGO community. In that year, IOV was reclassified as an NGO in Operational Relations with UNESCO, marking a new period of cooperation in which greater emphasis would be placed on the intangible aspects of culture. In 2001, UNESCO ratified the Convention on the Safeguarding of the

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). NGOs would once again play an important role as nations began to make inventories of their ICH. In 2010, the Intergovernmental Committee charged with implementing the convention recognized IOV’s expertise in the ICH and accredited it for purposes of providing advisory services. At the same time 40 IOV scholars and academicians were also certified as experts in at least one realm of the ICH as defined by the Convention. IOV’s application to be admitted into consultative relations with the United Nations Economic and Social Council has been submitted and a decision is due next year. The UNESCO/IOV partnership, which began twenty years ago continues to develop as IOV becomes even more specialized. For Alexander Veigl, this partnership was a source of pride. He might even refer to it as a high point in this 30th anniversary celebration if he were with us today.

!

IOV Latvia: Development of Latvian Traditional Applied Art in the Second Half of the 20th Century

By Dr. Aija Jansone Institute of History, University of Latvia

Traditional art is constantly transforming because it is closely related to the changes in the awareness of the nation and mankind as a whole, and their specific activities, social relations and the way of life.

In the Latvian material the term “traditional applied art” is a new name, which has evolved and changed in the course of time: at the turn of the 19th – 20th century the traditional art was called “artistic craft”, in the thirties of the 20th century the term “craftsmanship” was

used, and only after World War II (after 1946) a new term – traditional applied art – emerged.

The text mentions the 18th and 19th century design patterns (printed materials) and weaver’s books as early examples of craftsmanship in Latvia. The 19th century patterns were an important historical source of ornament for Latvian craftsmanship; they reflected the evolution and change of aesthetic views.

Recent researchers show that

there is a relatively small amount of creativity in the traditional art of European nations. Traditions, developed and collected in the course of centuries, prevail. To so-called creativity is only a variation of a well-known subject, minor alterations of existing traditions, adjustments to contemporary requirements.

In the second half of the 19th century artists became separate from craftsmen, and the art was divided into two major groups:

professional and non-professional.

At the beginning of the 20th century the term “traditional art” was used by intellectuals, it was regarded as being non-professional although historically it was based on tradition and emerged as a joint effort of professionals and non-professionals. The traditional art was consumed by a rather large part of the public, especially the peasantry who strictly adhered to the age-long traditions of fabrication and decoration.

In the twenties and thirties of the 20th century Latvian craftsmen created art works by designs of professional artists – J!kabs B"ne, Ansis C"rulis, Arv"ds Dz!rv"tis, J#lijs Madernieks, $anis Ventaskrasts, etc.- and formed the national

specificity. At this time, term “traditional art” emerged in publications. The phrase “traditional applied art” was more widely used in the soviet regime when law heavily restricted craftsmanship in its classic sense. Art, however, was allowed.

Contemporary researchers of traditional art believe that the traditional applied art is the art of the nation’s majority and is deeply rooted in tradition. It has developed in harmony with nature, history

and fate, and it satisfies the aesthetic needs of its creators and consumers. Traditional art gives joy, preserves mental health and creates an environment that gives one the sense of home, unites the family, the nation and protects from bad habits.

In Latvia, it has historically developed that craftsmanship is carried out both individually and in an organized manner. The first organized traditional applied art hobby groups began to form following the

!Second World War. Until then craftsmen worked individually. In the 1946, Traditional Art House was established (since 2004 – The Centre for Traditional and Performing Arts of Latvia – A.J.); its main mission was to provide methodical and practical assistance to people who wanted to take part in amateur activities, as well as assist in teaching principles of good taste and aesthetic feel to people.

Historically the traditional applied art in Latvia represents seven genres. Currently, there are approximately two thousand craftsmen: 62% textile artists, 11% jewelers, 9% basket-makers, 6% ceramists, 5% woodcarvers, 4% leather craftsmen and 3% blacksmiths. The craftsmen actively participate in thematic

and genre exhibitions; they attend various events to advance their qualification.

Traditional applied art studious in Latvia have more than sixty years of experience. Their strength resides with the unity of interest, meaningful fulfillment of free time, development of creative potential, teaching good working habits, retention of craft through generations, improving the culture of household and social life, and providing patriotic education. Preservation and development of traditional applied art in Latvia is seen through the activities of the traditional applied art studious because they possess three important qualities: inheritance of traditions, diversification of traditions and collective creative activity.

International folk festival “Highlanders” is held from 2004. It was established by the Ministries of Culture of the Russian Federation and of the Dagestan Republic, the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO, the Russian

State House of Folk Arts, and is supported by the leaders of the Dagestan Republic and the Committee of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Dagestan’s section Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO.

The festival

usually takes place in June - July and lasts for 7 days. The festival consists of gala-concerts of the opening and the closing ceremonies, craft fairs, fests of costumes, music and musical instruments, folk clubs, guest trips with concerts to the towns and regions of the republic etc.

Dagestan is polyethnic republic where more than 14 indigenous folk origins live. Among them there are Avars, Dargins, Laks, Kumyks, Lezghins, Tabasarans, Rutuls, Zahurs, Tats, Nogays, Russians, Aguls, Azerbaijanians, Chechens. Each folk origin of Dagestan has its expressive ethnic

IOV Russia: The Safeguarding the Ethno-cultural Heritage of the Highlanders. International Folk Festival in Dagestan.

By Elvira Kunina, President of the State Russian House of Falk Arts and Vice-

Minister of Culture of Dagestan

!

particularities, its culture-living features and its own language.

Folk art, traditions and rites of Dagestan are distinctive and unique. The festival “Highlanders” demonstrates this richest ethno-cultural heritage safeguarded by more than 100 amateur folk groups all over the world.

During past years

the festival received greetings from Vice-President of IOV Rikus Draijer, from Executive Secretary of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO Grigory Ordzhonikidze, from the Minister of Culture of Russian Federation

Alexander Avdeev. Among the guests

of the festival “Highlanders” there were various folk groups from India, Mexico, Slovakia, Croatia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia. The participants of the festival are usually accommodated in a cultural- entertaining

center “Jummy” at Caspian seashore.

International

festival “Highlanders” is unique at the North Caucasus and takes place in one of the reserved and original, from folkloristic point of view, places of Russia. The festival is held one time in two years and assists in peoples concord in North Caucasus, Dagestan and Russia entirely and also safeguards peace, stability and ethno-cultural traditions. It would be a great pleasure for us to greet at this festival folk authentic groups from the highlands all over the world.

Since its inception in the 1990’s the International Organization of Folk Arts (IOV), Philippines, has been involved in the exploration of myths, legends and folkloric tales of all the many indigenous groups throughout the archipelago. The series of biannual contests among elementary school children gave them the opportunity to exploit local myths and tales in a series of short dance dramas. The series gave children the opportunity to develop costumes of native materials, dramatize the myth or tale in song and dance, and practice the cooperative enterprise of creating their own mobile

stage settings. Regional winners had opportunities to travel within the archipelago and compete before different audiences. So too we have reached out to our Asean neighbors to explore ways in which our similar heritage and folkways can lead us to greater appreciation of one anothers’ cultures and hence develop a culture of peace and cooperation.

In 2009 the IOV Philippines hosted the IOV Presidential Council in Manila. This ran parallel to the forum on “Shared Experiences-Visions of Peace” attended by delegates from many parts of the country. This was in partnership with the Japan Foundation. This was held in the Pearl Hotel which is owned by the Chair of IOV

Philippines Mr. Danny Dolor, a leading cultural promoter. The IOVPC and the delegates also visited the museum cum shop Silahis owned by the IOV President Mr. Robert Lane.

IOV Philippines

By Robert Lane

!

This shop is located in the historical walled city of Manila called Intramuros. Silahis has the most extensive collection and display of Philippine traditional crafts. The IOV Philippines office is located in this building. The IVOPC met with the officials of the office of the Philippine President in Malacanang Palace and visited the Palace Museum. The IOVPC attended a dinner hosted by IOV President Carmen D. Padilla with a feature presentation of internationally awarded choir UP Singing Ambassadors. The UNESCO Philippines

Secretary General Preciosa Soliven also met with the delegates. In the coming year we are planning a large arts and crafts fair for May, 2011, the Philippine Heritage Month. The

emphasis will be on traditional crafts with a secondary stress of contemporary crafts that utilize traditional materials and skills in modern ways thus bringing crafts to the attention of younger people. With the assistance of Sponsorship this fair can hopefully be shown in three Major municipalities throughout the Archipelago, Manila, Cebu and Davao.

Many of the festivals that American groups attend in Europe house them in hotels and school gymnasiums. At the three dance festivals held annually in Utah, USA, host families take care of dancers, musicians and support personnel who come to share their culture with us. While many groups are reluctant to stay with strangers (and we have had at least one group decide not to come because of our host family situation), by the time they leave they praise the host families and express gratitude for all they learned while here in America. One of the directors from Nepal was initially reluctant to stay with a host family but, before leaving Utah this summer, he told me how much he appreciated the good care we took of him and the children in his

group, and how grateful he was for the learning experience of living with American families. Our family’s first experience with the Springville World Folkfest was in 1990. We had never even attended a performance but we greeted the director and a musician with a wonderful group from Mexico. At the time, my children were very young (ages 3, 2 and 6 months old) and we had no idea what was expected of us. The festival directors gave us a list of the activities and when we had to be where with our new friends, and we complied. I soon learned that our custom of eating our main meal in the evening was something that should change for the week they stayed with us. So we ate a larger lunch, a light meal before performances, and plenty

of nutritious snacks after. The director of the group spoke English but the musician did not. The musician missed his 3 daughters at home, and I had an infant daughter that he carried around and sang to and played with. It all worked out! It took a couple of years before we were in a position to host again but we have hosted every year since except one when we, ourselves, were out of the country. We now have friends all over the world in New Zealand, France, England, Turkey, Canada, and Hungary as well as in Mexico. We have had wonderful cultural experiences and have been able to share our American customs with our new friends.

Hosting for Dance and Music Festivals

By Dr. Donna Breckenridge, host family and festival director

!The greatest benefits have perhaps been to my children. They have learned to communicate with those who may not speak English. They have had the opportunity of trying new and unfamiliar foods, music and customs. They are not afraid to travel and they have learned to love and share with others of all ages. We have made great memories along the way and created many friendships. We often talk about the great experiences we have shared with dancers and musicians – the magnificent accordion-player who celebrated his 21st birthday with us, the laughter that resulted from gluing a zipper to a reluctant banana, the kindness of the women who braided my daughter’s hair and fussed over her, and the two Turkish boys who kept up correspondence with my sons. It is my hope that my children will continue in the tradition that our family started twenty years ago.

The Legal Committee is a standing committee created by Article 19 of the IOV Statutes. The Committee’s primary function is to maintain the nonprofit legal status of IOV. The Committee reviews the Statutes and the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and makes recommendations for amendments or changes. It is also the responsibility of the legal committee to help the national sections obtain legal standing in their countries, as required by the IOV Statutes. When the current legal committee was appointed in 2007, there were many important legal issues that needed to be addressed. To begin with, IOV did not have

trademark protection for its name and logo. The process of obtaining protection was complicated by the fact that the name and logo had already been in use for nearly 30 years and was distributed widely throughout the world. The application process required that we collect and submit exemplars of the logo from the countries where it was being used. From start to finish, the process took nearly 2 years. The General Assembly adopted new statutes in 2007, but because insufficient time had been allotted to read and discuss the provisions, less than half of them were actually voted upon. This left the bulk of the statutes unfinished.

The IOV Legal Committee

By George M. Frandsen, Chair

The problem was compounded by the fact that IOV did not have rules and regulations to implement the statutes. Likewise, IOV did not have a code of ethics, a policy to protect the confidentiality of information or a policy governing conflicts of interest for members of the Presidential Council (PC) and Executive Board (EB). Since having such policies in place is required of all NGOs in official relations with UNESCO, it was imperative that these policies be drafted, discussed and adopted. In December 2008, the PC approved the IRR at its meeting in Bahrain. For the first time, a clear set of instructions existed to ensure financial transparency and accountability, as well as a description of board functions and responsibilities. The IRR were discussed line by line and voted on section by section and finally, received

unanimous approval. A few months later, the EB meeting in Manila voted to accept the IRR Recent tasks of the current legal committee included preparing the application to UNESCO for accreditation by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Section. The nine page standard application provided by UNESCO grew to over 500 pages of documentation by the time it was filed in June of 2009. In addition to the IOV application for accreditation, individual applications with accompanying documentation were submitted on 40 IOV scientists, academicians and practitioners of the ICH for accreditation as experts. As soon as notification was received that the IOV application had been approved, along with all forty of the individual applications, the legal committee began working on an application for

consultative relations with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC). This is a first step ECOSOC is a first step toward a reclassification to consultative relations with UNESCO. A priority for the committee in coming months will be to identify individuals who are willing to work with national sections and help them acquire legal standing. Achieving legal standing in each country where IOV has a section is important to future growth.

!

La Carxofa d’Alaquàs is a religious festivity that has occured for centuries in Alaquàs (valencian nearby town) and is part of the spanish ethnologic heritage. Based on a deep catholic tradition, this festivity is one of the many that happen in other spanish towns. This tradition began at the end of the Middle Age and the beginning of the Baroque period. Its aims are to show examples of sacred stories accounting with the

participation of the citizens. These sacred stories are known as mysteries. The mistery play of Elche is known worlwide and shows similar characteristics. In 2001 it was recognized by UNESCO as one of the 90 most importants examples of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The public representation of these mysteries aimed primarily to instruct the catholic community. They were propaganda shows

under a politic regime in

which catholisism

was the only accepted religion.

During the spanish baroque period,

religious and

politic power were intimately united. This was the reason why these types of shows were followed by a vast majority of the population. The festivity consist mainly on two parades which follow the streets of the city center. The first one is every 8th of september and is led by the sculpture of the Virgen del Olivar (Virgen of the Olive Tree). The next day the parade is led by the sculpture of the Crist de la Bona Mort (Christ of the Good Death). Both parades finish with the Angel’s Song. The angel appears magically from the inside of a great artichoke singing and worshipping both the Virgin and Christ. The meaning of all this is full of traditional

Past and present of a traditional festivity: La Carxofa d’Alaquàs

By Rut María García Martínez and Javier Rodrigo Ilarri

symbolism. The artichoke is a well-appreciated vegetable from the valencian fields. The whole festivity is to show the people giving thanks to the Virgin and Christ for the good crops. The role of the angel is played by a child that sings the song and appears from inside the artichoke which opens its leaves when the sacred images appear. This magical moment stirs the people that each year sees the aparition and sings together with the angels choir and the orchestra. Just before the arrival of the Virgen or Christ, traditional dances are performed. The dancers wear traditional costumes, handcraft shoes

and other traditional wearings such as the fans. The parade goes through decorated streets with lights, incense, candles and traditional music. Currently, the dances are accompained by a modern wind brass band that plays traditional tunes from the XIX century. Two traditional medieval valencian instruments are commonly used during the celebration: dolçaina and tabal These instruments are not included in the modern music bands and are used to accompain people while walking in the parade. All the people from the village helps to prepare the celebration. Children between 8 and 11 can be

elected to be the angel if they attend the reheursal sessions where they learn the lyrics and music of the poem. They should have good entonation and diction. The local Musical Society organises these reheursals during some weeks. Each year the music teachers act as the jury that objectively selects the 6 best singers. After these 6 children have been selected by the jury, they are requested to perform on a public performance, so everyone in the village can freely vote to select the one who has performed the poem best. Young people play in the music band, the orchestra or dance. Adults usually join the different religious groups or participate with the celebration as public, voting to elect the Angel and singing with him. The religious sculptures are guarded throughout the year in the temples where they are honoured and worshipped during the years services. The parade starts at the Virgen del Olivar Church every september 8th.

! Besides the church main entrance, a ceramic mural shows the apparition of the Virgin over an olive tree. The angel worships her on her left and the peasants, dressed on traditional costumes, take the harvest and offer them to her as offerings. The children that went to the music reheursals and were not selected as angels are also dressed as angels and are the first to go in the parade. They form the choir that sings the refrain of the poem (joined by all the people as well). The statues (pasos) are being carried by the clavarios, who are the ones that organise and finance the celebration. They carry the divine images during the whole parade as an act of faith and gratitude. The cofradías are a very common religious organisations throught Spain, no matter how big or small the places are. They reflect the deep catholic tradition that has survived till today. Giant-headed people (cabezudos) appear beside the priests and the main civil and political authorities.

After the magical singing of the angel, the celebration concludes with great fireworks. With every village’s history we can find these representations of mysteries. They are very old traditions that, with small or big changes, have survived till today. It is not possible to recover the original details from these representations as no writing fonts exist anymore. The tradition has been preserved by oral tradition. The realization of studies, research and their diffusion contribute to preserve these traditions as we know them today. We can clearly differenciate between the modern

elements (melody, modern musical instruments – such as the music band or the orchestra, text of the poems, clothing, religious images) and those elements with an origin on the XVIII and XIX centuries which were undoubtely reminiscences of much older medieval traditions. These traditions are now lost in the people’s memory but are evidents to the researchers who study the festivity as being a part of a national context and a much bigger cultural environment.

International Organization of Folk Art www.iov-world.com