Civil Society and Heritage 2010

Gergely Palla – The Living Tradition Foundation, Hungary

Remains of the authentic folk arts and folk culture can still be found in our region, therefore, the collection and recording of these memories before they become lost is an important current issue. Meanwhile, the traditional handicrafts, folk music and folk dance can be kept alive only if enough people are volunteering to take part in such activities.

Civil organisations have always been vital in popularizing and maintaining folk arts in Hungary. We review the origins and current state of these organizations, starting as a hardly tolerated movement under the socialist regime, arriving to the problems raised by the globalization in nowadays.

The talk will be illustrated by photos and films demonstrating various activities related to folk heritage preservation.