Ms Cholponai USUBALIEVA-GRYSHCHUK

• Projects Coordinator/researcher, Aigine Cultural Research Centre, Kyrgyzstan

• Session 4: Presenter 2 (*Video Presentation)

Improving Communication between ICH Stakeholders and UNESCO: Challenges and Perspectives Using the Example of Local Communities in Kyrgyzstan

The proposed paper intends to comprehend the impact of the Convention on local communities using the example of a nationwide network of sacred site guardians, epic chanters and komuz^[1] players. Current communication means employed by the state to implement the Convention and raise awareness of local communities are reviewed and analyzed. As a result, a significant communication gap, information shortage among, and isolation of certain ICH bearers have been revealed. Based on the findings, the paper argues that efficient communication strategies with comprehensive access to information are key to generating meaningful feedback among ICH bearers, and suggest ways to address the abovementioned issues and challenges. The paper also brings forth the voices of local communities as to improving communication and information exchange among and between ICH bearers, the state and UNESCO in order to understand and visualize the impact of the Convention. The main findings are based on Aigine CRC’s extensive field materials, long-term participant observation and in-depth interviews with various ICH stakeholders.

Key words: sacred site guardians, sacred site custodians, epic trilogy, epic chanters, komuz players, traditional musicians, spiritual/traditional practitioners, etc.

[1] Komuz – a Kyrgyz traditional three-string musical instrument

Project coordinator and researcher at Aigine Cultural Research Center based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan since April 2010. Mrs. Usubalieva-Gryshchuk has been active in working with Kyrgyz epic chanters, spiritual practitioners and traditional musicians to implement various projects. She has extensive experience of community-based field research, preparation and organization of various training workshops and conferences attended by various practitioners.