Who we are

The International Harp-related Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding Association is a non-profit international organization composed of institutions, experts, and practitioners devoted to the protection, inheritance, and promotion of harp-related instruments and their intangible cultural heritage. Our focus includes not only traditional harps but also closely related instruments like the lyra, which are not classified within conventional systems but share a deep cultural connection.

Our Mission Our mission is to globally protect and preserve the intangible cultural heritage of harp-related instruments, promoting cultural diversity and the sustainable development of our shared human heritage. We strive to:

  • Rescue, protect, inherit, and develop the cultural resources associated with harp-related instruments.

  • Establish innovative inheritance models aligned with UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage protection framework.

  • Enhance the international reach and impact of harp-related arts through active cross-cultural exchanges.

  • Increase awareness and interest in intangible cultural heritage among younger generations.

Our Approach We implement our mission through:

  • Research and Documentation: Collecting, organizing, and disseminating research materials about harp-related instruments and their cultural heritage; developing digital resources and educational tools for cultural dissemination.

  • International Cooperation: Working with international cultural preservation bodies, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs to promote cultural heritage protection projects; supporting academic research and exploration of global sharing models.

  • Promotion and Outreach: Hosting international events, courses, and lectures online; organizing local experience activities in various countries that integrate local cultural features to promote the art of harp instruments; utilizing new media technologies like live streaming, short videos, and virtual reality to broaden the reach of harp-related cultural heritage.

  • Additional Actions: Undertaking other activities that align with our mission as resolved by the general assembly or the board of directors.

Through these efforts, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of harp-related arts globally, ensuring the vibrant continuation of this unique aspect of cultural heritage.