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United Festivals

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United Festivals is an international arts and media initiative to foster the safeguarding of our intangible cultural heritage (WP). The initiative was brought into being by the Austrian author and multimedia artist Werner Raffetseder (WRA) and portrays the traditional festivals of ethnic groups worldwide.[1][2]

United Festivals, Logo[3]

A central archive, targeted publications and artistic events – also at the scenes of large festivals – are meant to highlight the importance of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity and to contribute to the maintenance of its diversity.


Collections[edit]

Archive of Celebrations Worldwide[edit]

Triptych Inti Raymi. Inca Sun Festival, Sacsayhuamán, Cusco, Peru (WP)

The foundation stone of the United Festivals Initiative was laid in 1980 following ethnographic field research in Africa, Asia and Latin America, when Raffetseder began to collate material for an archive of the oldest festivals celebrated by the human race. He focused on ritual ceremonies that go far back into the past and to this day still mobilise great masses of people („social phenomena of the present day with archaic roots“).[4]

The cultural treasures passed down from generation to generation, that are expressed in the festivals, were recorded and interpreted in consultation with the local communities. Detailed studies, for which the author attended numerous festivals on several occasions, made clear the erosion of traditional contents and the dangers for their loss and gave his documentary work initial priority. As a result, more recent festivals and contributions by assistants were also entered into the archive.

Triptychon 'Geerewol Dances'. Geerewol celebrations, male dancers of the Wodaabe tribe, Sahel, Niger

Moreover, the Austrian Commission for UNESCO,[5] embassies, ministries, universities, museums, etc., have supported the logistical work on the spot. The present collection (photographs, film, sound recordings, interviews, documents, objects, facts and myths) reflects humanity's culture of celebration and serves as a basis for the initiative: a representative cross-section is being prepared in differing formats and installed in the public sphere to accentuate the media work. The opus is to pay tribute to our intangible cultural heritage, to foster its high esteem and promote respect for its diversity. It appeals to the broad public, especially youth, and to the transmitters of cultural values who are responsible for the passing on of this heritage.

The importance of transfer of culture to the next generation shall therefore also be emphasised where the appropriate target groups can be reached to an extensive degree: on the spot at large festivals and during celebrations. The objective of the initiative matches the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Articles 1 and 14.[6] Moreover, the blaze of colour of (still) vital traditions should serve as an enduring witness of how rich this heritage was at the beginning of the third millennium.

Archive of Regional Geography[edit]

Apart from celebrations United Festivals holds a vast picture library covering geographic and ethnographic issues. It focusses on Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and Oceania and comprises images of people, natural scenery and details of flora and fauna.

Exhibitions, Performances, Presentations (Selection)[edit]

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See also[edit]

References, Notes[edit]

  1. ↑ United Festivals: Das Imster Schemenlaufen Orange 94.0, 5 February 2011. (Austrian)
  2. ↑ Werner Raffetseder Donaumarkt Mauthaused/Tourismusverband Mauthausen (Austrian)
  3. ↑ United Festivals 005530415 Detailed trademark information from the CTM database (Countries in the European Union)
  4. ↑ Austrian Commission for UNESCO
  5. ↑ UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Paris, 17 October 2003
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