IPIC, Campania Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory, was established by the Campania Region (resolution n° 256/2018) and it catalogs the intangible cultural heritage and traditional practices related to the traditions, knowledge, practices, and know-how of the Campania community, as defined by the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage ratified by Italy with Law No. 167/2007 on October 17th 2003.
“Intangible cultural heritage” defines practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, know-how, social uses, rituals and collective festive moments – including those which are religious in nature – as well as the instruments, objects, artifacts and cultural spaces associated with them, which the communities recognize as a part of the cultural heritage of Campania, passing them on from generation to generation, constantly recreating them in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history with a sense of identity and continuity – therefore promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.
Subjects requesting the registration of a cultural element in the IPIC must prove, among other things, the historical aspect of the cultural element – the practice must be proven to have occurred for at least the 50 years prior to the registration request; the persistence of social values and cultural significance corresponding with the identitary value of the cultural element; the persistence of formal and informal moments of transmission; the involvement of younger generations; respect for gender equality in accessing the cultural element; and the active participation of the community in the implementation of the actions that safeguard and enhance the cultural element.
The establishment of the Inventory safeguards and enhances the cultural foundations of the region, which otherwise are at risk of being forgotten and lost. As a tool, the inventory preserves the vitality of the intangible cultural heritage and supports those individuals, public or private, who actively participate in its exploitation and management, provided they are not for profit. The application form is available in the “Glass House Region” section.