Have you ever thought about who we are talking to when we document a cultural practice or an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage? What gives us the right to do this, and how do we take care in doing it?
Documenting cultural practices is not just a technical activity. It’s about building relationships – it requires listening, being responsible, and showing respect to the communities that keep these traditions alive. The first and most important step is getting free, prior, and informed consent. Everyone involved should fully understand the purpose of the work and how the material might be used, especially in digital formats.
To support this process, the following steps are recommended:
- Use consent forms, either written or oral, for individuals or groups;
- Create community agreements that explain how recordings will be used, stored, and accessed – always considering local values, ethics, and the community’s decision-making;
- Get permission for using people’s images and voices, especially for video or audio recordings;
- Respect collective cultural rights and shared ownership of the material;
- Ask for expert guidance in cases involving legal or ethical questions.
In today’s digital world, it’s also important to protect the digital rights of communities, letting them control how their knowledge is shared and shown. Guidelines like the European Directive 2019/790 and the Faro Convention (2005) offer important support, aiming for fairness and community empowerment.
Websites like Europeana.eu set a good example, using ethical rules for sharing cultural content. When done with care, documenting ICH becomes a powerful way to honor cultures – giving communities the chance to share their stories with dignity and visibility.