Muscat:The 'Sub-Regional Forum on Intangible Heritage and Art Reality and Challenges' commenced today in Muscat with the aim of enhancing the role of fine art in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The forum seeks to explore measures that contribute to preserving the cultural elements and is held under the patronage of Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture.
According to Oman News Agency, the two-day forum targets academics, researchers, and specialists in the fields of tangible cultural heritage and the arts. It is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, alongside the Ministry of Education represented by the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, in cooperation with the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), represented by the UNESCO Chair on World Heritage Management and Sustainable Tourism in the Arab Region.
Dr. Mahmoud Abdullah Al Abri, Secretary-General of the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, highlighted the launch by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) of the theme 'Emergency Response for Living Heritage in the Context of Crises and Disasters.' He emphasized the importance of art as a medium for documenting historical landmarks and transmitting cultural practices to future generations, while also addressing the challenges faced by intangible heritage.
The forum's opening ceremony featured several scientific papers, including a presentation by Maryam Nasser Al Kharboushi on the Sultan Haitham Prize for Intangible Cultural Heritage. Other presentations included topics on the funerary Dan art in Dhofar Governorate and an artistic pairing project for emergency response to living heritage.
Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi also toured an exhibition showcasing fine artwork by students, which is part of an initiative to employ art in safeguarding living heritage. This exhibition included photographs from the regional competition 'Impact in the Neighborhood,' organized by the UNESCO Chair at the German University of Technology in Oman.
The forum's first day included a working session moderated by Dr. Younis Jamil Al Nu'amani, focusing on the role of art in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage at the sub-regional level. Participants from UNESCO, ALECSO, and the GCC discussed experiences and strategies for heritage conservation.
The forum coincides with the International Day for Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrated annually on October 17.