From Past Continuous to Continuous Future Tenses Dealing with Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diversity in a Changing World

The introductory essay to this theme issue of Volkskunde on intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and diversity, provides a brief sketch of the development of Dutch and Flemish policies on ICH and diversity, and the effects these policies have on the heritage practice in the Netherlands and Flanders (BE). In order to stimulate reflection on this multilayered and complex theme that is the topic of this Volkskunde issue, the essay puts the Dutch and Flemish experiences regarding ICH and diversity in relation with past, current and future global societal evolutions and worldviews, such as globalisation, the Cultural Turn, cultural hybridity; concepts such as multiculturalism and superdiversity, et cetera.The author takes a constructive though critical position towards the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the safeguarding of ICH and poses questions regarding its aspirations of stimulating dynamic, living cultural heritage practices that correspond with the principles of mutual respect and the prospect of sustainable development. The essay provides possible perspectives and handles for further developing ICH policy and practice on diversity, such as, among others: further developing the idea of networks and communities of ICH-practice; moving away from the approach of a Representative List and focusing on best safeguarding practices, capacity building ...; developing pro-active policy on ICH \& diversity, on the local, national, transnational and international level; rethinking governance regarding ICH; developing a code of ethics for ICH; further developing the role of ICH-brokers and researchers in the process of keying, ...The author concludes by suggesting to continue working along the lines of the itinerary that is taken and the work that is done with the UNESCO 2003 Convention. At the same time she calls for engaging in a necessary shift (mutation) throughout the processes that take place and the organs that are involved, if they sincerely aim to sustainably develop ICH practices and foster cultural diversity.