Finland to participate in preparation of proposal related to hand-made glass
Knowledge, techniques and skills related to hand-made glass are being prepared to be submitted to the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Besides Finland, the multinational application coordinated by France includes Germany, Spain and the Czech Republic.
The application has been under preparation since 2017 and is to be submitted to UNESCO in March 2022. A decision on the possible inscription to the list will be given in December 2023.
In Finland, the multinational application is supported by eight different entities operating in the glass industries and twelve glass studios. The Finnish Glass Museum is the responsible party for all the entities in the glass industries. The Finnish Glass Museum, appointed by the Ministry of Education and Culture, is a museum with national responsibility, specialising in glass production, glass manufacturing and the history of glass artwork.
UNESCO Convention safeguards intangible cultural heritage
Finland signed the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. The Convention promotes the protection of intangible cultural heritage and makes visible the diverse cultural traditions of people, communities and groups. The Finnish Heritage Agency is in charge of implementing the Convention in Finland.
Based on the Convention, an inventory of cultural heritage is kept both nationally and internationally. UNESCO keeps two lists of intangible cultural heritage and a register on the best safeguarding practices.
Inquiries:
Mirva Mattila, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Education and Culture, mirva.mattila(at)minedu.fi, tel. +358 (0)2953 30269
Leena Marsio, Coordinator of Intangible Heritage, Finnish Heritage Agency, leena.marsio(at)museovirasto.fi, tel. +358 (0)2953 36017