The First IOV World Youth Congress & Scientific Symposium Bountiful, Utah, August 2008

The First IOV World Youth Congress was convened in Bountiful, Utah from August 5 th to August 9 th , 2008. Presented by The International Organization of Folk Art (IOV) in operational relations with UNESCO, the congress was by all measures a resounding success! Its focus, Living Traditions - Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage, brought people together from all over the world in fulfillment of the congress‘ three major objectives, to share information and research on topics relating to Intangible Cultural Heritage; to identify IOV projects relating to Intangible Cultural Heritage, and to create a structure of the IOV Youth Commission.

From left: Mary Bee Jensen, Honorary Congress Chair; Hans J. Holz, IOV Secretary-General; Carmen D. Padilla, IOV President; Iveta Pirgova, Congress Chair; George M. Frandsen, Organizing Chair

The participation, though less than initially anticipated due to financial constraints for some and visa problems for others, was substantial. Much was accomplished in the scheduled meetings, most of the scheduled presentations transpired, and many additional activities were enjoyed, some in conjunction with the 20 th anniversary of Summerfest International, an annual cultural celebration. The congress proceeded in an atmosphere of congeniality and goodwill, while a wealth of ideas and accomplishments related to preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) were shared .

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Tuesday, August 5th

On Tuesday, August 5 th , the congress officially began with a memorable Feast fit for a King under the auspices of the National Culinary Center of Azerbaijan. A seven course meal, prepared by Master Chef Tamir Amiraslanov, PhD., was hosted by the Davis Applied Technology College, Department of Culinary Arts in Kaysville, Utah.

Students from the culinary arts department assisted in the preparation of the dishes and were on hand to enjoy the fruits of their labor, together with 100 members of the public. The recipes for the dinner were taken from a Twelfth Century manuscript discovered in Azerbaijan. Dr. Amiraslanov is a member of international culinary associations working to reintroduce traditional food into the former Soviet republics.

Wednesday, August 6 th

A perfect tone was set as a prelude to the conference sessions beginning Wednesday, August 6 th . Mr. Lacee Harris, a Ute Indian Medicine Man, offered up a moving Native American prayer to the four directions and to —Father Sky“ and —Mother Earth.“ While the Ute language was not comprehended by most, it was clear that our world was encompassed in this traditional benediction. A heartfelt welcome by Bountiful mayor, Joe Johnson, ensued.

Introductory remarks were made by IOV President, Carmen Padilla and IOV Secretary General, Hans Holz; George Frandsen, IOV USA President, explained the problems causing Ute Medicine Man Lacee Harris reduced ranks while Iveta Pirgova clarified the IOV mission to preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

The involvement of UNESCO with ICH was initially addressed in a session chaired by Kinga Czerwinska of Poland. Dr. Mila Santova, head of Bulgaria‘s Cultural Delegation to UNESCO, explained the Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of 2003 and its later renditions. Carmen Padilla, UNESCO Commissioner from the Philippines and Vice-Chair of UNESCO‘s Southeast Asian Regional Memory of the World (MOW) Commission, discussed the programs UNESCO currently has for preservation of ICH. Dr. Kinga Czerwinska Prof. Mila Santova (Poland) (Bulgaria)

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The afternoon session, chaired by Dr. Iveta Pirgova (USA), continued with presentations on UNESCO‘s role in safeguarding ICH.

In the evening, after congress participants had enjoyed dinner with host families, they joined Summerfest activities at the annual Festival Street Dance on Bountiful‘s historic Main Street. The visiting dance companies regaled those assembled with performances of traditional dance and provided moments so those interested could join in. Dr. Iveta Pirgova, Congress Thursday, August 7th Chair (USA)

The focus of Thursday‘s sessions entailed the Preservation, Adaptation and Presentation of ICH. The morning session was chaired by Vincent Reyes of Guam. Mr. Reyes‘s paper described his personal efforts to revive Chamorro dance, which was destroyed during the Spanish colonial period. With the enthusiastic involvement of the young people he teaches in Guam‘s public schools, Mr. Reyes has succeeded in capturing the interest of students and parents with his touring and performing program.

Milan Gabrovec of Slovenia related efforts to preserve folk culture by instituting folk dance as part of the school curriculum. Professor Gabrovec is head master in a primary school which has had a program for teaching folk dance and music to students for over 50 years.

Natalija Trivic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Milan Gabroved (Slovenia) explained how folk tradition connects the various cultures of Bosnia. Ms. Trivic and others from her town of Banjaluka organized a festival in 2008 to Natalija Trivic (Bosnia) bring the ethnically diverse communities of the Balkans together for a week of folk dance presentations. The festival was so successful it will be an annual event.

The next session, continuing this theme, was chaired by Professor Anna Lydaki of Greece, who also gave a paper on Gypsies in Greece. Lydaki has published extensively on the history and traditions of the Roma people in Europe. Tian Long of China presented on the role media play s in popularizing traditional music and songs, which in turn assures the survival of traditions for future generations. Prof. Anna Lydaki (Greece)

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Pasang Sherpa of Nepal spoke on the plan for quality schools in the Sherpa villages of the mountainous regions of Nepal in an effort to preserve traditional culture. He related how the present system of sending Sherpa children to schools in Kathmandu is leaving children without cultural ties to their families and Sherpa communities. This is leading to the loss of the Sherpa language, disrespect for its traditions and ignorance of holidays and rituals. It is hoped that building quality schools will encourage parents to educate their children in the areas where they live so it will no longer be deemed necessary to send them away to live in boarding schools in other parts of Nepal.

Paseng Sherpa (Nepal) A reunion of longtime friends Etienne Vankeirsbilck, IOV Co- founder (Belgium) and Professor Mary Bee Jensen (USA)

Kate Davidson, recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism, informed about the Indian Placement Program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints and its impact on Native American culture, Kate Davidson (USA) especially Navajo. Davidson, who is a producer at National Public Radio in Washington, D.C., spent a year living with the Navajo in Arizona while producing the documentary. Her lecture was well attended by members of the public, many of whom had personal experience with the Program which was discontinued in 1979.

Lunch was generously provided by George Frandsen‘s family in the form of an American style picnic. In addition to great food, the setting under the trees near the city complex provided an additional opportunity for socializing and forging new friendships. The Rocky Mountain Dancers from Arvada, Colorado were on hand to entertain with traditional music and dance. Peggy Pingle, the group‘s director, demonstrated the American tradition of square dance calling. Colorado Rocky Mountain Dancers directed by Peggy Pingle

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Congress participants enjoy an American-style picnic lunch in the park

The afternoon was devoted to a working session and then a group session of ICH Urgent Need Projects. Four working groups met and then presented proposed projects in a session moderated by Davron Azizov of Uzbekistan. The Urgent Need Project addressed one agenda item of the congress, to determine ICH projects for endangered traditions. For example, Iveta Pirgova recommended identifying three Native American cultures (East, West, and Central, with at least one on a reservation). Also discussed was the ancient city of Nesebar, Bulgaria, which will receive UNESCO funding for its preservation and will work with IOV members to showcase its traditional culture. In addition, a working farm as a living museum is to be established in West Herzgovina. An ongoing project, Nanjing YunJin Brocade Institute of China, has applied to UNESCO and IOV for support.

IOV delegates attended the Summerfest Festival Opening Ceremony in the evening. All were invited to wear traditional dress and many joined with national flags in a parade through the festival grounds to the main stage. The performance opened with Mr. Lacee Harris, a Ute Medicine Man, again offering a blessing. Carol Dries sang the National Anthem. Three hundred dancers, singers and musicians, members of traditional performing arts IOV presents the Official Beijing 2008 Olympic Flag at Summerfest companies from eight foreign International as Opening Ceremonies occur in Beijing nations, presented a varied program of international dance. They came from Costa Rico, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Russia (Cossacks) and Russian Siberia, South Korea and the U.S.A.

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Opening Performance of the 20 th Anniversary Celebration of Summerfest International

Friday, August 8 th

The original schedule for Friday, August 8 th divided parallel sessions between two buildings, the Bountiful Davis Art Center and the Bountiful City Hall Council Theater. Adjustments were made on the presentation locales providing for all to be held in the City Hall. Some presentations were given in the theater, with others in the adjacent conference room. This adjustment facilitated participation in alternate sessions for those who so desired; however, some difficulties also developed due to a perception among some presenters that presentations slated for the theater might be viewed as being seen as preferable to those scheduled for the smaller conference room. A minor conflict was quickly defused by the diplomatic intervention of Cise Zekai of Cyprus.

The parallel sessions continued throughout the day with those on Oral traditions and Ritual in the conference room. Dr. Fu Ming of China began the session with his paper on ancient thought and philosophy of China.

Lacee Harris of the Ute/Pi-ute tribes presented the Native American sacred view of life. Mr. Harris, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is one of only three remaining Ute Medicine Men. As a counselor Elfie Caffery (Cook Islands) assisting Native Americans adapt to life in Salt Lake City, Harris provided insight into the challenges confronting indigenous populations when they migrate from their traditional communities to urban environments in search of opportunities.

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Cise Zekai of Cyprus continued with the Practice of Living Cypriot Culture . Zekai, a journalist by profession, spoke on the efforts young people in northern Cyprus are making to incorporate the traditions of their ethnic Turkish parents into their own daily lives. Clubs and organizations where history and culture are taught are numerous in northern Cyprus, with many small villages and towns supporting at least one folk dance group.

Christos Tentzerakis of Greece presented on the transition of dance from rural to Cise Zekai (Cyprus) urban Greek culture in the theater. He was assisted by Vagelis Tsimpouris and other members of the dance ensemble from Aspropirgos, Greece which was in Bountiful for Summerfest performances. Christos Tentzerakis (Greece)

Session chair Ligaya Amilbangsa of the Philippines hastened her presentation on Pangalay dance and encouraged a tighter adherence to time limits so all presenters could be heard. Pangalay dance was once threatened as younger performers were unable to perfect the required technique, due in part to a lack of expert teachers. Amilbangsa developed a system of notation which permits steps and style to be documented, thereby assuring a future for Pangalay dance.

As the next presentation by Malal Ndiaye and Khady Badji of Senegal had difficulty due to needing a translation to English, along with time restrictions, a potential upset was diffused by a diplomatic intervention by Congress Chair Iveta Pirgova.

Ligaya Amilbangsa Khady Badji (Senegal) (Philippines)

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Finally, when it had become clear there would be insufficient time for all presentations to occur in the theater, some presentations, including that of Bulgarian Nikolay Chervenkov and Russian Tatyana Sambueva proceeded in the conference room. Chervenkov, who coaches the Bulgarian Olympic TaeKwanDo team and holds a Red Belt in the martial art, related the tradition of passing skills down through generations of —don.“

Sambueva spoke on the singing traditions of Siberia, as well as on Buryatian Dance. Herself a singer, Sambueva lives and works with cultural groups in Iveta Pirgova translates presentation martial arts given by Nikolay Siberia. The packed schedule spilled into lunch time. Chervenkov (Bulgaria)

A welcome lunch, provided by Lynne Carlquist and her family, was available outside the meeting rooms. Delicious salads, sandwiches and international foods provided relief to hungry participants who, in many cases, took lunch into continuing presentations.

The afternoon sessions, Folk and Traditional Music and Dance/Traditional Crafts and Architecture, were a little late starting but the time allocated to an absent presenter alleviated time constraints. A reduced session chaired by American Florence Neubauer met in the conference room with Folk and Traditional Music of Uzbekistan which was presented by Professor Iroda Dadajonova (accompanied by her brother, Dilmurod Musaev). Dadajanova‘s presentation was followed by Dr. Florence Neubauer‘s lecture on American Dance. Tatyana Sambueva In the theater, the session chaired by Aija (Siberian Russia) Jansone of Latvia began with her presentation on Latvian Folk costumes.. Dr. Jansone heads the Latvian Costume Consulting Center at the University of Riga which assists those researching the patterns and decoration unique to the clothing of their ancestral villages. The center has provided information and assistance to youth participants in the Baltic Song and Dance Festival which has been placed on the UNESCO Masterpieces List of the ICH.

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From Azerbaijan, the national dress was presented by Minara Guliyeva and Aygun Aliyeva. Architect Ramil Abdashev of Azerbaijan presented a paper on the architecture of the ancient Silk Route.

The afternoon session in the conference room continued as Tahir Amiraslanov presented on the food, ritual and dance of Azerbaijan. Costumes were modeled by members of the Azerbaijani delegation, a host Azerbaijanis left to right: Tahir Amiraslanov, Aygun Aliyeva Minara Guliyeva, Ramil Abdashev, Zeynalova Sakina mother and her young daughter.

Greek Dance by Christos Tenzerakis was discussed in the main theater followed by the presentation by Makhfuza Salimova, whose topics were embroidery and doll making in Uzbekistan.

Also in the main theatre, fashion designer Gu Lin spoke of adapting ancient Chinese embroidery to modern textiles. Zhi Min‘s paper, Ancient Chinese Matluba Bazarova and Makhfuza Salimova (Uzbekistan) and Traditional Images as Inspiration for 21 st Century Ceramic Art, was presented to an interested group in the conference room.

Valko Lyubenov of Bulgaria enlightened on Nesebar, the UNESCO Heritage City on the Black Sea which is kept from sinking by the efforts of individuals and NGOs, including UNESCO and IOV. Nesebar requires constant and ongoing measure to protect it from rising water as the land on which it is situated continues to sink. Well preserved homes, ancient churches and streets attest to its importance as a center of culture and commerce. Dr. Valko Lyubenov Sculptor Zhi Min (China) (Bulgaria)

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Members of Morning Star Native American Dancers , directed by Gary Fields

The evening culminated with a dinner at Utah State Heritage Park which was served with a variety of American style entertainment. It began with the National Anthem sung by Carol Dries. Bluegrass music, clogging and Native American dance delighted the diners throughout the evening.

Awards were presented to Mr. Liu Cheng, a noted film director from China, Dr. Fu Ming, an attorney from China and member

of the IOV Legal Rou ndtable Discussion on Youth Projects Commission; and to Greg Lund on behalf of the National Folk Organization of the United States, which provided financial support for the congress. Diners were invited to visit the open air museum where some of Utah‘s earliest pioneer dwellings, churches and municipal buildings are being preserved in the setting of a period 19 th Century village.

Bountiful Mayor Joe Johnson honored IOV Co-founder and Vice President Etienne Vankeirsbilck, making him an Honorary Citizen of Bountiful and Mayor for the week of the congress.

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Saturday August 9

On the final day, Saturday August 9 th , a number of presenters rounded out the morning session on Culture and Youth. Chaired by Mia Lindgren of Sweden, the presentations included her discussion of Swedish handicrafts. Sandy Shih and Caroline Kuo of Taiwan overviewed a successful program to teach the youth of Taipei about their cultural Mia Lindgren, treasures. Ingrid Caffery of the Cook Islands and Jorge (Sweden) Gonzales of Costa Rico also related culture and youth topics focusing on projects they have initiated.

In the afternoon, a Round Table discussion, Ingrid Caffery (Cook islands) moderated by Caroline Kuo, ensued on IOV Youth Commission Projects. The objectives were to —Select 2008/2009 IOV Youth Commission Projects“ and to —Determine Next Steps on Selected 2008/2009 IOV Youth Commission Projects.“ This was followed by the selection of IOV Youth Commission Project Chairs and the 2010 IOV Youth Congress Site Selection Committee.

Final events included Caroline Kuo and Sandy Shih closing remarks and (Taiwan) ceremony. Some participants then visited the Stromquist Residence, a Bountiful home designed by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Lectures on architectural preservation were presented on the front lawn while groups were led through the home and characteristic features of the architecture were pointed out. It was noted that UNESCO is expected to A small group views a video presentation add nine Wright works to its Cultural Heritage Site List in on American Dance 2009.

Valko Lyubenov, unofficial congress photographer, provided the photographs seen in this report. Valko curated a beautiful exhibition of photographs from the City of Nessebar, which was displayed in the Bountiful Davis Art Center.

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Nanjing Brocade Institute presentation from left Mr. Cai Xiangyang, Larry Baird and Fiona Huang Juan (China)

A highlight of the congress was the exhibition of the ancient silk brocade loom brought from Nanjing, China. The loom, which is a replica of those used for making the imperial clothing of the Ming Dynasty, was disassembled in China and shipped to Bountiful where it was reassembled for the congress. Two expert weavers demonstrated the making of the silk brocade fabric using the same technique and process as has been employed in Nanjing for over 700 years.

The final evening of the congress was spent with host families, attending parties and folk dance performances at the Summerfest stage. There was also a farewell gathering at the Bountiful City Hall where participants informally enjoyed Bulgarian dancing to live traditional music. The evening concluded with prolonged farewells for some, while others anticipated the opportunity to travel to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks on Sunday and Monday (August 10 th and 11 th ).

In Conclusion

The first IOV World Youth Congress certainly succeeded in presenting rich tableaux of information and ideas. The mission objectives, Bulgarian musicians from lower left: Nikolay Chervenkov, Peter to preserve and transmit culture, as well as Aleksiev, Angel Dobrev, Desislava Chervenkova and Valko Lyubenov promote cultural understanding, were realized as various methods for safeguarding ICH were conveyed. Ideas for implementing specific future projects were discussed and

committees were formed to continue the discussion by email after the adjournment of the congress.

The numerous inspiring IOV presentations, meetings and other activities combined to offer messages of success and hope which both enriched participants and generated an optimistic outlook for global achievement of IOV goals. A side benefit of this gathering was the opportunity to forge new friendships and increase cross- cultural ties. The network of contacts established at this congress may prove to be of great value to young Pasang Sherpa (Nepal) and Emma people whose careers and interests in folk art are still Hoefler (Germany) wishing Happy Trails until we meet in 2010 ! developing.

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A Final Thought

The impetus to fulfill all the positive goals set forth at this congress was seen in 1) the microcosm of individual vision articulated in the presentations on methods for preserving our ICH; and, 2) in the macrocosm of realized ideals, in presentations of successful programs in places such as those in Guam, Cyprus and Taiwan, where the youth enthusiastically experience and learn to value and perpetuate their culture.

The interaction of IOV members during the congress also exemplifies our capacity as people to come together, relate harmoniously, and to value and appreciate each other. Despite certain roadblocks, the congress left me with a hope for a better world. The organizing committee did an exceptional job, with no detail unaddressed. The experience epitomized my own personal feelings expressed in my paper of two worlds of European and West African culture becoming new worlds of American dance. On a global scale, I believe we can transcend cultural divisions and dissolve our differences through understanding and respect. I wholeheartedly support the joint Viktor Kitov (Russia) IOV and UNESCO goal of establishing a World Culture of Peace.

Florence Neubauer, Ph.D. IOV USA Section

IOV WORLD YOUTH CONGRESS GROUP PHOTOS

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