Atlantic CultureScape Intangible Cultural Heritage Project

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is the lead partner on the Atlantic CultureScape Project. This is a new €2 million project awarded funding by the EU Interreg Atlantic Area Programme. The project brings together partners from across the Atlantic Area to develop and share cultural experiences that celebrate local traditions and boost tourism.

Over the next three years, the Council will work with six main partners:

• Brecon Beacons National Park Authority in Wales

• Rio Maior Municipality in Portugal

• Cork Institute of Technology in Ireland

• University of Vigo in Spain

• Regional Government for Cantabria in Spain

• Andalusian Agency of Cultural Institutions in Spain

There are also eleven associate partners involved, including Ring of Gullion Handcrafts and Art and the Fiddler’s Green Festival

The ‘intangible’ element of cultural heritage has received relatively little attention in the Atlantic Area in recent years. This project sets out to address this imbalance by identifying and improving enjoyment of authentic cultural experiences, leading to increased visits.

At first, a study of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) across the Atlantic Area will be carried out, in order to give guiding principles. The project will focus on the protection and evolution of ICH as well as its development. The creation of innovative ICH products, an ICH Atlantic Area Route and a transnational marketing programme, will result in improved recognition and higher visibility for intangible cultural heritage in the Atlantic Area.