Objectives

Histories is officially recognized by the Flemish Government and has operated in Flanders as a non-profit organization supporting heritage volunteers since 2019. Our priorities for the 2024-28 policy period are as follows: Dynamic and high-quality heritage practices for sustainable heritage care Heritage communities ensure the continuity of their practices by adapting and reinventing themselves in response to a changing society. Histories supports them in a pragmatic and sustainable way by being an accessible point of contact. We offer tailored advice and provide guidance as they navigate questions and challenges. Participation is the common thread in our support for these dynamic heritage communities. It is reflected in the composition of our board, our consultation circles, and our daily operations. Resilient heritage associations continue to take care of our heritage To safeguard intangible cultural heritage for future generations, heritage communities and associations must continue to rejuvenate and broaden their base. Experiencing heritage must also remain an enjoyable and meaningful activity for everyone involved. At the same time, many associations are under pressure from social trends such as increased flexibility in commitments, an aging population, and secularization. Histories cannot reverse these trends but support volunteers in responding to them constructively. We strengthen their resilience and adaptability, provide tools to amplify their voices in heritage policy and enhance visibility and appreciation for their contributions. A strong network for greater synergy within the heritage field Collaboration between heritage volunteers and other heritage actors is essential for high-quality heritage care. When mutual respect and appreciation are present, diverse perspectives become enriching. Histories brings heritage volunteers together and builds bridges with other sectors. As a network facilitator, we organize meetings and foster knowledge exchange, enabling volunteers and professionals to support one another and build a broader foundation for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

Cooperation

CONSULTATIONS AND EXCHANGES Thanks to its participatory and inclusive approach, Histories is shaped not only for heritage volunteers, but also by them. Exchange and collaboration with — and between — heritage communities are central to Histories' mission. This commitment to participation is reflected in the active involvement of heritage volunteers and communities in the following ways: - Broad representation of heritage volunteers on Histories’ governing body - Consultation circles that contribute directly to policy development - Five-yearly surveys of volunteer associations - Annual check-ins with umbrella organizations - Ad-hoc volunteer working groups - The development of learning networks SUSTAINABLE SUPPORT Over the years, Histories has supported numerous heritage communities and individuals in safeguarding their living practices. Whether through tailored guidance towards official recognition, the development of safeguarding programs to address specific challenges, or the implementation of other collaborative projects, this ongoing work has reinforced our volunteer-centered approach. DOCUMENTING AND INFORMING Histories documents and translates knowledge and experiences in ways that are tailored to the needs of heritage communities. We make the knowledge of these communities more sustainable by preserving and sharing it through platforms such as our intangible heritage databases and collections of practical tips. In addition, we are committed to enabling direct knowledge exchange between communities through learning networks. We support communities in documenting their own practices and help them inform others by sharing relevant information, methodologies, and tools—both from Histories and from trusted external partners. COLLABORATION AND NETWORKING Histories collaborates with a wide range of partners across the Flemish cultural heritage field to support groups, communities, and individuals in safeguarding living heritage. One example is the previously mentioned safeguarding programme Op handen gedragen. In addition, Histories works alongside various heritage cells on specific programs and projects, such as the inventorying of the beach flower selling tradition. As noted earlier, Histories is also an active partner in the ICH domains network of Flanders. This broad collaborative network — composed of NGOs, each thematically focused on a specific ICH domain — acts as a safety net. It ensures that appropriate solutions are found for the diverse challenges faced by heritage communities