Paper short abstract:

In the exhibition ‘Animals, People and Traditions’ in the Rotterdam Museum of Natural History and the DCICH gave the floor to practitioners to tell their story and illustrate this with their object. What are the lessons to be learned for the communities and institutions involved?

Paper long abstract:

In the contribution of the Dutch Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage (DCICH) we would focus on the process of co-creation that was followed to materialise the exhibition ‘Animals, People and Traditions’ (Rotterdam Museum of Natural History 23 Jan – 29 August 2021). ICH with animals has to react and adapt to changing sentiments in the broader society concerning animal welfare, and is regularity under attack. The aims of this exhibition were multifold. The exhibition wanted to create a podium where the practitioners of ICH with animals (falconry, sheep herding, cattle markets etc) were given the opportunity to show their practice, knowledge and love for animals to a broader public. The second aim was to carefully engage practitioners and public in questions concerning animals welfare. A ‘table of dialogue‘ in the exhibition was designed in the hope to engage visitors in a dialogue and inspire new thoughts.

Starting point of our approach was that ICH communities would themselves decide what objects were to be shown, what stories to be told.

In the presentation we would focus on how this exhibition has influences the position of the ICH community, and the practice itself (or not). Also we would reflect on the working process. Finally we will reflect together with our partners, the Rotterdam Museum of Natural History about the working process and possible inspirations and pitfalls that we can pinpoint