The Bureau,
- Recalling Chapter V of the Convention as well as Chapter I.4 of the Operational Directives relating to the eligibility and selection criteria of International Assistance requests,
- Having examined document LHE/25/20.COM 4.BUR/3 as well as International Assistance request no. 02463 submitted by Uruguay,
- Takes note that Uruguay has requested International Assistance for the project entitled The sound of Tango – Phase II:
To be implemented by the Cienarte Foundation, this twenty-six-month project aims to promote the intergenerational transmission of the Tango tradition through education, artistic activities and publications. It is the second phase of the project ‘The Bandoneon: sound of Tango’ which relates to the multinational element ‘Tango’ inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (Argentina and Uruguay). The first phase of the project sought to promote the revitalization of the bandoneon – an emblematic instrument associated with Tango – through research, musical training and the development of materials such as ‘Master Musician Raúl Jaurena’s Guide to Playing the Bandoneon’. The results of the first phase of the project are showcased through the platform for sharing good safeguarding experiences, which aims to promote a broader implementation of Article 18 of the 2003 Convention. This second phase will focus on Tango music by increasing accessibility for people who are blind or have visual impairments, as well as by training mentors, raising awareness among students, and promoting bandoneon-making skills. The activities will be carried out with the support of local authorities, educational institutions, artists and civil society organizations. They entail the Braille transcription of the ‘Guide to Playing the Bandoneon’, the development of a documentary film, the production of a musical play for teenagers, and the dissemination of research and poetry related to the tradition. In addition to increasing the visibility of Tango nationwide, the project is expected to promote the production of new material on the subject and to contribute to Uruguay’s cultural inclusion policy.
- Further takes note that this assistance aims to support a project implemented at the national level, in accordance with Article 20 (c) of the Convention, and that it takes the form of the provision of a grant, pursuant to Article 21 (g) of the Convention;
- Also takes note that Uruguay has requested an allocation of US$89,969 from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for the implementation of the project;
- Decides that, from the information provided in file no. 02463, the request responds as follows to the criteria for granting International Assistance given in paragraphs 10 and 12 of the Operational Directives:
Criterion A.1: The project is a continuation of the first phase, with the objective of consolidating the results achieved during that phase. The request reflects the aspirations and needs of the communities, which include a diverse group of stakeholders, from artists, artisans and luthiers to individuals who are blind or have visual impairments, teachers, students, and officials from national and regional authorities. Each of these stakeholders will be involved in this project, which adopts gender-balanced and inclusive approaches. The communities’ involvement in all project activities, from implementation to evaluation, is clearly demonstrated. They will also be represented on the project follow-up committee.
Criterion A.2: The budget breakdown and the proposed timetable are well structured and in line with the activities described in the request. The amount of assistance requested is deemed appropriate.
Criterion A.3: The request is structured around four thematic areas: inclusion and inclusivity, promotion of Tango in secondary schools, bandoneon lutherie training courses, awareness raising activities, and the production of communication materials. The proposed activities are coherent and well-planned in terms of the objectives and expected results of the project.
Criterion A.4: The project is expected to enhance both the visibility and viability of the element. Through a holistic approach, the proposed activities will have a long-term impact as follows: (a) the Braille transcription of ‘Master Musician Raúl Jaurena’s Guide to Playing the Bandoneon’ will remain accessible to players with visual impairments, with copies of the manual to be distributed across Spanish-speaking countries; (b) the documentary on Ricardo Pereira, a blind bandoneon teacher, will raise awareness of the importance of social diversity and the arts for resilience; (c) artistic activities, including the production of musical plays in secondary schools, will promote Tango among younger audiences, thereby ensuring its intergenerational transmission; (d) bandoneon lutherie training courses will be integrated into the vocational education curriculum, potentially contributing to youth employment and the revitalization of traditional craftsmanship; and (e) the publication and dissemination of the book entitled ‘El bandoneón y su mundo’ will contribute to academic research, in particular in the field of musicology, and raise awareness of the literary works related to Tango.
Criterion A.5: The requesting State Party will contribute 22 per cent (US$28,720) and other partners will contribute 10 per cent (US$13,599) of the total amount of the project budget (US$132,288). Consequently, International Assistance is requested from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for the remaining 68 per cent of the total amount of the project.
Criterion A.6: The request aims to build capacities at multiple levels by providing training to communities, youth and individuals with visual impairments. Through the bandoneon lutherie training courses, artisans and practitioners will be able to share and disseminate their traditional knowledge and skills with the community, including youth. More than fifty individuals will be trained in the making, repair and maintenance of bandoneons. In addition, artists (including musicians, singers and teachers) will share their expertise and skills of Tango with over 2,000 students from 35 high schools, ensuring the intergenerational transmission of the practice of Tango dance, poetry and music. The development of a bandoneon training manual in Braille will provide individuals who are blind or have visual impairments a unique opportunity to learn to play the instrument, promoting inclusive access to musical education. The proposed activities will reinforce the capacity of communities and institutions to safeguard Tango as a living heritage and as an evolving artistic expression.
Criterion A.7: Uruguay has benefitted from International Assistance from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for two completed International Assistance projects.
[1] The work stipulated in the contracts related to these projects was carried out in accordance with UNESCO regulations.
Paragraph 10(a): The project is national in scope and involves national partners, including the National Commission of Uruguay for UNESCO, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Board of Technical-Professional Education, and the departments of Montevideo, Canelones, Tacuarembó, Paysandú, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Soriano and Río Negro. The following associations will also be involved: the Uruguayan Braille Foundation, the Uruguayan Authors Association, the Uruguayan Musicians Association and the Uruguayan Actors Society.
Paragraph 10(b): The project is expected to stimulate broader engagement in the safeguarding of Tango by reaching new audiences and practitioners, particularly among youth. The transcription of ‘Master Musician Raúl Jaurena’s Guide to Playing the Bandoneon’ into Braille will contribute to the national inclusion policy. This manual will also be made available in other countries of the region, thereby reaching a broader public.
- Approves the International Assistance request from Uruguay for the project entitled The sound of Tango – Phase II, and grants the amount of US$89,969 for the implementation of this project;
- Notes with appreciation the proposed project’s focus on inclusivity, aiming to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in the enactment, transmission and enjoyment of living heritage, and encourages the State Party to share its experience to be gained on inclusive safeguarding approaches;
- Requests that the Secretariat reach an agreement with the requesting State Party on the technical details of the assistance, paying particular attention to ensuring that the budget and the work plan of the activities to be covered by the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund are detailed and specific enough to provide a sufficient justification of all the expenditures;
- Invites the requesting State Party to use Form ICH-04-Report to report on the use of the assistance granted.
[1] (a) ‘Documentation, promotion and dissemination of the Candombe traditional drum calls, expressions of identity of the Sur, Palermo, and Cordón neighbourhoods in the city of Montevideo’ (US$186,875; September 2013 – August 2015) and (b) ‘The Bandoneon: sound of Tango’ (Phase I) (US$99,764; April 2020 – October 2023).