Objectives

THAAP has established 4 sub-sets to focus on the many areas of interest to the organization and has grown its operations in a short time by separating its various interests and giving each due focus. These sub-sections and corresponding objectives are listed as follows: THAAP Conference: an Avenue for Intellectual and Creative Discourse THAAP Safeguading Culture Heritage: for Community based Interventions THAAP Crafts: A Marketing Window THAAP Publications: for dissemination. The purpose of THAAP endeavor is exploring, strengthening and extending the rich culture and cultural expressions in art and architecture as well as promote the historical and cultural understanding of Pakistan in general and Punjab as well as Kalash in north of Pakistan in particular. THAAP aims to reassess and revisit history and create scholarship and knowledge of the old and recent history from the people's perspective and disseminate to a wide audience. THAAP believes that Culture is intrinsic to individuals and communities and integral to the human condition. It links culture to the inalienable rights of individuals and communities and at the core of development and poverty alleviation strategies. THAAP endeavors to create a nexus between the cultural assets of communities, both tangible and intangible, and their economic development. It appreciates that the safeguarding of cultural assets can only be achieved if linked to economic opportunities and livelihood for communities. The preservation and conservation of the rich heritage of Pakistan in both its tangible and intangible form is of special focus to the organization's mission. This includes both archaeological remains and the numerous historic and architectural sites spread in different parts of Pakistan, as well as the rich craft traditions and the many forms of intangible expression. The continuing quest for ideas and the creative impulse has been an inherent part of civilization; the human condition and the thread woven in the past continues in the present, finding new ways of expression, giving new meanings and discovering new directions. THAAP strives to safeguard ICH through the laters integration in education and learning.

Cooperation

THAAP has vast experience of working with ICH tradition bearers and practitioners and has sustained a strong bond with many men and women over the years through commitment and connectivity with local communities. Some of these ICH bearers came into contact with THAAP researchers/experts and cultural professionals through various Safeguarding Projects that THAAP has been either a part of, or, has generated through its own initiatives. THAAP also maintains a database of TBs which is a useful resource to connect TBs to potential opportunities. In its field office in South Punjab, THAAP also has an information desk for assisting the South Punjab TBs to access livelihood enhancing avenues such as exhibitions and other events of economic significance. THAAP is currently involved with ICH activities in the Kalasha Valleys of Khyber Pukthankhawa. This connection has led to Community Based Inventorying (CBI) led by the community with the assistance of THAAP staff. The methodology, instruments and systems developed for CBI by THAAP have been adopted nationwide through the aegis of the Federal Government. These joint efforts by the community and THAAP have also resulted in the development of a dossier; prepared for one element's inscription on the list of ICH in need for Urgent Safeguarding. THAAP also plays an advocacy role for TBs and ICH communities in an effort to highlight their problems and promote special skills and knowledge under the custodianship of the tradition bearers.