On August 12th, ICHCAP and the UNESCO Jakarta came together to host the ‘ichLinks Video Competition Workshop’ at the Pusat Budaya Indonesia in Dili, Timor-Leste, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to safeguard and promote the rich tapestry of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the Asia-Pacific region.

The ichLinks platform, launched in 2021, serves as a one-stop gateway for easy search and use of all ICH information in the Asia-Pacific region, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions among the Member States. This workshop was the latest chapter in a series of initiatives aimed at broadening the platform’s content, following on the heels of the first video contest targeted at Mongolia and Kazakhstan in 2022. The current project, deeply intertwined with UNESCO Jakarta’s community-based capacity-building program for ICH safeguarding in Timor-Leste and Indonesia, has been meticulously crafted into a 16-stage program. This comprehensive journey includes a well-packed program of pre-events, immersive participatory workshops, expert feedback sessions, and video production session designed to equip participants with the skills needed to capture and share their unique cultural narratives.

A notable highlight of the workshop was the enthusiastic participation of 35 individuals, a diverse group comprising young entrepreneurs from the cultural and arts sectors, students specializing in video production, and professionals from the tourism industry. Their active involvement underscored the growing interest and commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage through modern digital means. The workshop kicked off with an insightful presentation by ICHCAP, which laid the groundwork by introducing the ichLinks platform and the overarching goals of the video competition project. Building on this foundation, representatives from the Locomotion Art Studio and the Timor-Leste National Commission for UNESCO delved into the intricacies of understanding ICH outlining the contest criteria, guiding participants on writing proposals, pitching ideas, and crafting compelling storylines. Participants then rolled up their sleeves and set to work, drafting proposals that would soon undergo rigorous evaluation.

Diana Setiawati, Associate Project Officer at the UNESCO Jakarta Office, captured the spirit of the workshop when she expressed her optimism, stating, “The active participation of local communities will not only fortify our efforts to safeguard ICH but will also play a pivotal role in elevating international awareness of Timor-Leste’s cultural legacy.” Echoing this sentiment, Francisco Taimau, Chief of Cabinet of the Secretary of State for Arts and Culture in Timor-Leste, offered heartfelt thanks, noting, “This initiative is not merely about protecting Timor-Leste`s cultural heritage through an international digital platform, but it also transforms the video productions into powerful symbols of our national identity and cultural pride.”

Weonmo PARK, Director of the Information & Research Office at ICHCAP, added a forward-looking perspective, expressing his hope that “through the power of digital storytelling, we can showcase not only the internationally renowned Tais but also the deep and varied ICH of Timor-Leste to the people out in the world,” while urging participants to actively engage in the process and assuring them of ICHCAP’s unwavering support.

As the workshop concluded, the drafted proposals were set to be reviewed, with 15 teams to be selected for the next phase. In the upcoming workshop scheduled for September, these teams will receive targeted support for video production. The journey will culminate in October when the final winner is chosen, and the winning work will be unveiled to the world on the ichLinks platform, contributing to the global tapestry of cultural heritage.