1/3 Buzand Str., Yerevan 0010, RA
From September 8 to 11, a four-day professional development course titled “Intangible Cultural Heritage of France and its Preservation from the Perspective of Sustainable Development” was held at the Hovhannes Sharambeyan Museum of Folk Art.
The course was organized through a joint initiative of the Scientific Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia and the National Heritage Institute of France, and was intended for specialists in the field of intangible cultural heritage.
The aim of the course was to introduce participants to the French experience in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, as well as to modern approaches to its preservation, ensuring its viability and transmission within the context of sustainable development. The speakers were leading France-based experts in the field of intangible cultural heritage —Chiara Bortolotto and Lily Martinet.
The course was implemented within the framework of a cooperation agreement concluded between the Scientific Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage of the MESCS of the Republic of Armenia and the Embassy of France in Armenia.
The retraining program was attended by specialists and representatives of the cultural sector from various communities in Armenia: staff from the cultural departments of regional administrations and municipalities, employees of museums, libraries, and cultural centres, as well as artisans and experts in the field of folk art.
On September 10, the participants were hosted by representatives of the French Embassy in Armenia, including Fatma Kebe, the officer in charge of culture and heritage programs. During the meeting, the participants presented their respective communities, highlighting the unique features of their intangible cultural heritage, preserved traditions, and cultural values.
A proposal was also discussed to utilize Armenia’s regions as platforms for future retraining courses. This will make professional knowledge and expertise more accessible to specialists working in the regions.
Upon completion of the course, the facilitators and participants were awarded certificates by the French National Heritage Institute and the Scientific Research Centre of Historical and Cultural Heritage.
The training program marked an important step in fostering professional cooperation, exchanging experience, and disseminating new approaches to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage between Armenia and France.
