The methodology proposed here will follow a practical, step-by-step approach, where, with the collaboration of all partners, a digital narrative will be produced from a specific intangible cultural heritage, focusing on community participation, ethics, and the culture of innovation for sustainable development.
The methodology employed is centered on collaborative and participatory methodologies, with community participation as a fundamental point of the approach. Generally, intangible cultural heritage only finds meaning through its recognition by the community to which it belongs. It is through the individuals that compose it that cultural manifestations considered relevant are indicated. These people can look to the past and the future they desire and perceive which cultural manifestations are important and representative, what knowledge forms that collective. This approach also involves underlying ethical issues, particularly in ensuring that the recognition and appreciation of cultural heritage is an inclusive process, helping to recognize and celebrate the diversity of the society it encompasses, and cannot be used as a tool of segregation, prejudice, or hate.
Thus, whenever the goal is to value cultural diversity and strengthen local identities, it is fundamental that strategies and initiatives are built collectively. Considering training processes, community participation must be present in the formulation, implementation, and execution, to encourage collective construction, which understands knowledge and cultural references as the result of collective, social, and community processes. It is this sense of belonging that will allow people to recognize themselves in the initiatives, ensuring that these initiatives respond broadly and comprehensively to the needs and conceptions of the communities in which they are inserted. (Florêncio et al., 2014)
Thus, to create a participatory methodological framework that involves the local community in
creating digital narratives about intangible cultural heritage and at the same time promotes sustainable
development, five main stages are proposed:
Each of these stages involves activities that allow the active participation of residents, the use of accessible technologies, and the appreciation of local culture, as well as a positive impact on community development.
Engage the local community from the beginning of the process, valuing prior knowledge about intangible cultural heritage and digital narratives, for training in digital technologies.
1. Sensitization and Identification of Local Partners
Hold community meetings and events to present the project and raise awareness among residents about the importance of intangible cultural heritage. Identify local partners such as schools, NGOs, cultural associations, and community leaders.
2. Formation of Collaborative Groups
Create focus groups that represent local diversity. These groups can include knowledge masters, youth, educators, artisans, and other members who deal with cultural heritage in the region.
3. Training in Participatory Management and Innovation Culture
Offer training in management and innovation culture so that the community can manage activities and actions independently and sustainably. This includes notions of participatory management, communication, and project management
4. Training in Digital Tools
Offer training for the community in audio, video, and digital content editing tools, prioritizing the use of accessible equipment (smartphones, simple recorders, and free software). The goal is to ensure that participants can create and edit their narratives
5. Training in Copyright and Cultural Data Management
Include training on the ethical use of information, copyright, and intangible heritage protection. This is fundamental to ensure respect and preservation of local culture.
Facilitate the collaborative creation of digital narratives that express local cultural values, traditions, and memories.
1. Collection of Stories and Tradition
Organize workshops and field activities where participants can share and record stories, cultural practices, and traditions. Encourage the use of interviews, photographs, recordings, and videos that represent local cultural diversity.
2. Construction of Visual and Sound Narratives
Based on the collected material, guide participants in constructing digital narratives that authentically and engagingly represent intangible heritage. These narratives can be developed as documentary videos, audio (podcasts), virtual exhibitions, among other formats.
3. Community Curation and Editing
Conduct a participatory curation process where the community itself reviews and selects the materials to be shared. This helps ensure that the final stories reflect the local perspective and identity.
4. Validation and Respect for Traditions
Before publication, ensure that all digital content has the approval of the involved community members and aligns with local values and traditions.
5. Creation of Open Access and Collaborative Platforms
Create a collaborative storytelling platform to develop a digital repository of local culture, where participants themselves publish their stories.
Enhance digital narratives as an asset for sustainable tourism, education, and the appreciation of local culture.
1. Develop and Articulate Communication and Dissemination Programs
Use the developed storytelling platform, integrated with social networks, websites, and apps, to promote access to generated content. Also, consider physical spaces in the community (museums, cultural centers) for local exhibitions and events.
2. Development of Cultural and Tourism Programs
Integrate digital narratives into the development of projects, actions, programs, and sustainable tourism routes, where visitors can respectfully and interactively learn about local culture.
3. Creation of Networks and Partnerships
Connect the community to sustainable development and tourism networks and institutional partners, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening the local economy. These partnerships can include educational institutions, cultural organizations, and companies interested in promoting responsible tourism.
Enhance interaction and training actions for knowledge reciprocities among those involved.
1. Dialogical Education
Encourage exchanges and discussions at all stages of the course, valuing the participants’ knowledge.
2. Collaborative Learning
Work in groups on activities that encourage the exchange of ideas.
3. Case Studies and Practice
Use real case studies and create practical activities.
4. Technology and Digital Tools
Introduce accessible tools for producing digital narratives and projects.
5. Creation of Open Access and Collaborative Platforms
Focus on innovative practices for documenting and preserving cultural heritage.
6. Practical and Collaborative Learning
Create a storytelling platform with digital tools and innovative strategies.
7. Continuity Incentive
Promote ongoing community projects for maintaining and valuing local culture.
8. Continuous and Processual Evaluation
Allows for monitoring from the beginning of the training, enabling necessary adjustments and corrections throughout the process.
1. Establish Impact Indicator
Evaluate the effect of the proposed activities on the community, whether the developed digital narratives had community participation and contributed to preserving culture and local sustainable development.
2. Implementation
After completing the training, it is recommended that professionals develop pilot projects, applying the methodology and receiving technical support to improve the creation of digital narratives.