Rocking the Map of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with a State List for Intangible Cultural Treasures
"MV to Acquire National Control Over Intangible Cultural Artifacts" - MV advocates for a homegrown inventory of intangible cultural treasures
In a bid to uplift and promote their unique cultural heritage, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, much like its federal counterparts, is all set to craft a list of ancestral gems. This list will initially feature the 13 local crafts and customs that have found a place in the national registry, but it's just the beginning. The state government has been encouraged by the state parliament to devise strategies for enriching this list of customs and fostering connections among volunteer associations within the state.
Elke-Annette Schmidt, a prominent member of the Left Party, believes that this state list will bolster the popularity of regional customs and age-old crafts, thereby fostering their preservation. Schmidt reckons that an increased tourist interest can also be anticipated. Controversies have erupted, however, over whether beyond traditional strongholds, "modern, progressive expressions such as hip-hop or warp speed tech" should find a spot on the state list, as suggested in the motion.
Zeesboats and Darßer Doors already part of the roster
In 2003, the UNESCO General Conference recognized the necessity of preserving region-specific customs, music traditions, dances, and crafts worldwide and formulated a convention. Germany stepped up in 2013 and created a national directory. Contributions from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to this directory include the thatched roofing craft, the tonnage striking on Fischland/Darß, the Zeesboats on the Bodden waters, the Malchow folk festival, the Lower German stages, the Martensmann custom, the Darßer house doors, or the production of the Freest fisherman's carpets, to name a few.
SPD deputy Anna-Konstanze Schröder stated, "Our living cultural heritage makes Mecklenburg-Vorpommern a captivating haven for both residents and travelers." Schröder swiftly pointed out that cultural traditions are a melting pot of influences from diverse regions and are subject to evolution and changes over time. Schröder mentioned the production of clay bricks and the Mecklenburg alphorn blowing as potential additions to the state list.
- Ancestral Gems
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Schwerin
- Stralsund
- Wismar
- The state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, aiming to enhance the recognition of its unique cultural heritage, is gradually expanding its list of ancestral gems, which currently includes the 13 local crafts and customs.
- As the state strives to enrich this list, vocational training programs could potentially be included in the strategies to foster connections among volunteer associations and preserve regional customs and age-old crafts.
- Apart from traditional customs like Zeesboats on the Bodden waters and Darßer Doors, more contemporary expressions such as music genres could also gradually find a place on the state list, with the Mecklenburg alphorn blowing and local music scenes being potential candidates.
