Germany has taken a significant step by officially recognising film photography as part of its cultural heritage, thanks to the advocacy by the German Photo Council. This recognition aligns analog photography with UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage program, which focuses on safeguarding vital cultural practices and identities across the globe. Examples of recognised heritages include traditional crafts, seasonal livestock droving, and various musical traditions.
Analog photography has played a pivotal role in documenting and preserving cultural heritages since the 19th century, capturing events such as the legendary Apollo 11 lunar landing. The movement for its recognition has been led by notable figures, including Claudia Determann from North Rhine-Westphalia’s Ministry of Culture and Science, alongside Christian Klant and Thomas Gerwers from the German Photo Council.
Having achieved initial success, analog photography is now recorded in the State Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in North Rhine-Westphalia. From this milestone, it is set to be evaluated for potential inclusion at the federal level, whereupon it can be nominated to UNESCO for broader recognition.
“Analog photographic processes… are an important step in the development of photography,” remarks Claudia Determann. Christian Klant emphasises that this nomination marks a crucial advancement in their pursuit of recognition, reinforcing analog photography’s place alongside other artistic traditions within UNESCO’s esteemed list.
Germany has officially recognised film photography as a part of its cultural heritage following successful efforts led by the German Photo Council. This recognition is aimed at fostering the preservation of analog photography within the framework of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage programme, ensuring its significance in documenting global heritage is duly noted. Advocates anticipate further recognition at the federal level, potentially allowing analog photography to be included in UNESCO’s illustrious registry.
Germany’s official recognition of film photography as a cultural heritage underscores its vital role in preserving human culture. This initiative, propelled by dedicated advocates, aims to ensure that the art of analog photography is not only acknowledged on a national level but also revered globally through UNESCO’s recognitions, enriching our understanding and appreciation of cultural identities.
Original Source: petapixel.com
