Using graphics to communicate intangible cultural heritage: Kids and teens at work!

Abstract

The present study reflects on the representation of intangible cultural heritage within participative practices that interest young citizens. It refers to an ongoing research project of Politecnico di Milano centred on participatory processes of interpretation and communication of local cultural heritage within schools. The project focuses on schools and culture as drivers for the enhancement of the territory and of cultural cohesion. Its purpose is educating young people about cultural heritage as a system of evolving values and giving them a source of inter-cultural dialogue, through field work and encouraging a conscious use of new technologies. Many challenges have been taken into consideration: first of all, that of providing a view of something that does not have a material status; secondly, that of implementing this operation within a participatory context; thirdly, that of engaging a young audience, and more specifically primary school children and teens, in the process. Describing the whole range of activities in this paper would hardly be possible, therefore some significant experiences have been selected because of their particular relevance to the theme of intangible cultural heritage visualization. The first part of the study will examine the very concept of heritage education. Then in investigating into the visualisation of intangible assets, a brief overview of the various meanings that the term “graphics” can assume in this specific context precedes the presentation of the context surrounding the practices from which the study stems. Finally, two specific case studies of the application of the matter in field research while briefly outlining its methodologies and products are presented.