There will be no more proclamations of masterpieces

　　Q: The proclamation of masterpieces was at the heart of the intangible heritage programme. Will that still be true?

　　A: No, there will be no more proclamations of masterpieces as there were in 2001, 2003 and 2005. Once the convention enters into force, masterpieces present in states parties' territory will be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The conditions under which they will be included have yet to be determined by the Intergovernmental Committee that will implement the convention. But most of the masterpieces are to be found on the territory of states that have already ratified the convention. We can therefore expect that a great many of them will soon be included among the items inscribed on the representative list.

　　Q: What are the key issues for the future?

　　Smeets: Many aspects need further definition. We have to specify what this representative list will comprise. The states that will implement the convention must also identify the communities that hold this heritage. Often a system of representation has to be set up for these groups, or help provided so that they can create NGOs. Authorities, too, particularly at the local level, have to be made more aware of the existence, values and importance of this heritage. There's still work to be done to increase consciousness of this cause.