01667nas a2200121   4500000000100000008004100001653003800042653003200080100001900112245007000131856003600201520130800237                                       d10aHeritage institutions (ICH\_1360)10aPerforming arts (ICH\_1228)1 aShangrong Tsai00aLiving heritage: intangible heritage in performing arts in Taiwan  uhttp://etheses.bham.ac.uk/5073/3 aIntangible heritage is a growing concept of emphasis in international communities. This study will define intangible heritage and focus on the performing arts in Taiwan. Inasmuch as Taiwanese Opera and Hand Puppetry are two of the most significant manifestations among others, research methods of qualitative interviews and non-participant observations will be used to gain an insight into their practices through investigating certain practitioners. This study will in particular explore organisational management and training approaches that ensure their artistry and skills are transmitted, contributing to the dissemination of intangible heritage. Furthermore, this study will inspect how the competent authorities determine the designation and registration of intangible heritage. Governmental schemes and their implementation for the safeguarding intangible heritage will be thoroughly examined, revealing the integrity and effectiveness of administrative systems, especially as the competent authorities are confronted by certain problems in the interpretation of intangible heritage, interaction with practitioners and controversy. These are inter-related, inter-influencing, and restrictive. In responding to these existing predicaments, coping strategies will be proposed as research outcomes.