This interactive open-source toolkit serves as a vibrant digital hub for transmitting traditional craft knowledge across generations and promoting awareness of the significance of this element as an integral part of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). By offering engaging informative resources, it equips stakeholders of ICH with a novel theoretical framework- that encompasses a variety of relevant thematically curated contents such as [craft history,design identity, fabrication processes, and best craft practice] as well as visual media, infographics, tutorials, and interactive workshops. These materials are not only valuable for transmitting knowledge from generation to the next but also for skills learning, research, and decision-making across the field of safeguarding traditional craftsmanship.
This platform also acts as a bridge, connecting artisans of Damascene Wood-Mosaic with members of their local community, particularly,architects and designers. It does this by providing the latter with digital assets that can be employed in architectural and interior design projects,while also familiarizing them with the traditional design and fabrication processes involved in craft practice. This allows for practical collaboration between design professionals and artisans, leading to the development of culturally meaningful designs. Such collaboration would also result in fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and enhancing socioeconomic sustainability for ICH practitioners.
Lastly, this digital hub is a viable complement to existing programs for safeguarding ICH, particularly, the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of ICH. As such, stakeholders can harness its potential to maintain and develop their cultural practices in the face of growing globalization.
