The Committee
- Takes note that Belarus has nominated Vytsinanka, traditional art of paper cutting in Belarus (No. 01954) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Vytsinanka is a traditional art of paper cutting that is practised in Belarus. Initially used for church interiors and icons, it is now used to decorate homes, cafés and offices, for the design of printed products (such as calendars and postcards) and in theatre sets and public spaces. Most artisans adhere to traditional techniques and forms. They use various methods of paper cutting, from cutting simple, symmetrical compositions with scissors to combining complex pieces using scissors and a chisel. Today, the art of vytsinanka performs a set of universal functions, including educational, aesthetic, communicative and therapeutic. A sense of identity is formed as bearers learn local paper cutting traditions and folk culture. Vytsinanka facilitates dialogue within the craft community and beyond. Masters demonstrate their abilities and creative techniques in various festivals, exhibitions and fairs, and families continue to use it as a means of creative self-expression, passing the practice down from generation to generation. Vytsinanka is also transmitted through formal and non-formal education institutions. As an art therapy practice, it contributes to the development of fine motor skills while promoting creative thinking. It is often taught to people with physical or mental disabilities, thus contributing to their rehabilitation and creative development.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: Vytsinanka, traditional art of paper cutting in Belarus, is a craft that has evolved from its origins in decorating church interiors and icons to become a decorative art in homes, public spaces, and printed materials. Women are the main practitioners, but the practice has evolved to include men as well. Bearers also include artisans, masters, teachers and club leaders. Through festivals, exhibitions, and family traditions, the practice of Vytsinanka is passed down from generation to generation, in rural and urban areas. Today, the element has various functions, including supporting a sense of identity, and contributing to the cohesion of various communities and groups of cultural diversity.
R.3: The State Party has taken the initiative to improve national legislation in the fields of copyright law and intellectual property rights. In particular, provisions have been introduced related to intangible cultural heritage at the community level. In addition, various safeguarding measures will be implemented between 2023 and 2025. The Belarusian Union of Crafts and associations of Vytsinanka craftsmen will organize meetings, seminars, fairs, exhibitions and master classes to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving traditional knowledge, including vytsinanka. State authorities will provide financial and organizational support to the annual vytsinanka forum and to open a museum in the Maladzechna School of Vytsinanka in 2024. A series of publications on the element will be issued. The letters from the communities concerned outline other safeguarding measures, with an emphasis on the communities’ role in the planning and implementation thereof.
R.4: The preparation of the nomination between 2018 and 2022 involved numerous workshops in the six primary regions. These were attended by experts, bearers, local authorities, and representatives of cultural and educational institutions, museums and NGOs. Following the element’s inclusion in the National Inventory in 2019, regional and national meetings were held to continue working on the nomination, along with an online symposium held in November 2021, where the safeguarding plan was presented and approved by participants. Various letters of consent were submitted to express the communities’ support of the nomination and their participation in the nomination process.
R.5: The element was included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus and in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Belarus in 2021. Information about the updating processes is provided in the periodic report submitted in 2022.
- Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.2: The file indicates that the element contributes to sustainable development in the areas of health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, inclusive economic development, environmental sustainability including climate change, and peace and social cohesion. The links between the element and the aspects of sustainable development are sufficiently explained.
- Decides to inscribe Vytsinanka, traditional art of paper cutting in Belarus on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.