#HeritageAlive is a biennial journal supported by ICHCAP that highlights NGOs’ experiences in safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) (HeritageAlive – ICH NGO Forum). Five editions of the Living Heritage series have been published so far. The next edition, planned for release by the end of 2027 and presentation at 22.COM, will focus on Traditional Masks and Masquerades.
We invite articles showcasing best practices in safeguarding the diverse manifestations of intangible cultural heritage associated with masks and masquerades, including performing arts; social practices, rituals, and festive events; traditional knowledge; traditional craftsmanship and the use of a variety of materials; as well as other forms of mask expression, such as face painting.
Articles should focus on challenges, methods, and experiences in safeguarding and transmitting this heritage, highlighting its social and cultural roles for communities, including identity, community cohesion, and intergenerational transmission. In line with the 2003 Convention, contributions should preferably be written by or in collaboration with NGOs, communities, and practitioners.
All UNESCO-accredited NGOs are encouraged to contribute. Authors aged 35 or younger may also compete for the Albert van der Zeijden Prize, awarded biennially for an outstanding article on ICH safeguarding.
PROCESS OF SUBMISSION AND REQUIREMENTS
• Preselection phase – Submission of an Abstract:
Participants must first submit a 300–400 word abstract of their proposed article for the preselection phase.
Deadline Submission abstract: 31st of May 2026
• Final phase – Submission of the full Article:
After the abstracts are submitted, the board will select those with the greatest potential for development into full articles. Applicants will be informed of the results within one month of submission. Selected participants will then be invited to submit a full article of 1,500–2,500 words.
Deadline Submission final article: 1st of October 2026
• Contacts for submissions (for both the abstract and the final article):
Rachel Gefferie, email r.gefferie@hotmail.com (Editor-in-Chief)
Eivind Falk, email Eivind.Falk@handverksinstituttet.no (Chair)
• Other specifications
◦ Language: Abstract and article must be in English or French.
◦ Images: Do not include images in the abstract or article; image files will be requested later.
◦ Citations: Use Harvard citation style (see: https://www.myperfectwords.com/blog/citation-styles/harvard-style-citation).
◦ Proofreading: Authors must carefully proofread before submission; texts with excessive spelling or grammatical errors will be returned.
