Village bolsters effort to cultivate ICH talent in Kaiyang

A Miao embroidery event in Gaozhai township. [Photo/WeChat account of Kaiyang county]

In recent years, Gaozhai township in Kaiyang county, Guiyang, has prioritized the preservation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) by focusing on the selection, development, and retention of talented individuals. This approach has strengthened the township's capacity for ICH transmission, breathing new life into cultural traditions.

To build a targeted ICH talent pool, Gaozhai has established a dynamic archive of ICH items and talent through processes such as on-site surveys, analysis, candidate selection, and database creation. This comprehensive system ensures the effective identification and cultivation of outstanding ICH practitioners.

To date, six ICH items have been successfully registered, including batik embroidery, Miao dance, Miao traditional attire, and ethnic festivals. Additionally, 12 individuals have been recognized as provincial "most outstanding embroiderers", with one provincial and six municipal-level ICH inheritors officially certified.

To strengthen talent cultivation, Gaozhai has implemented a tiered ICH talent training system focusing on market demand, individual strengths, and skill enhancement. This includes organizing over 10 provincial, municipal, and county-level training sessions and skill competitions

Training bases for batik embroidery and lusheng (a traditional Miao instrument) singing and dancing have also been established, where local experts and ICH specialists lead over 20 workshops in villages and schools, engaging more than 500 participants. These efforts are continuously refining and expanding methods for talent development.

Additionally, Gaozhai has been optimizing its environment for talent retention. The township has secured 320,000 yuan ($43,968) in funding through three projects under various organizations. Five ICH protection bases have been established, serving as platforms for training, creating market-oriented cultural products and facilitating the integration of cultural and economic value. This initiative not only preserves ICH but also generates income for practitioners, enhancing their livelihoods and ensuring the survival of local cultural heritage.