(IN)TANGIBLE HERITAGE(S)
Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the potential of interactive long-form digital storytelling as a tool for the communication and promotion of intangible heritage, with specific reference to the situation of the so-called “Inner Areas”, i.e. those rural or suburban realities that often have difficulties in promoting their cultural, social and artisanal heritage. The first part of the paper briefly outlines the characteristics of rural or suburban areas in the Italian context, highlighting on the one hand the central contribution of small municipalities in terms of intangible cultural heritage and on the other hand evidencing the specific needs of these realities that are often excluded from traditional touristic itineraries. From a communicative standpoint, the analysis emphasizes the urgent need for these areas to effectively communicate their cultural wealth that is otherwise inaccessible to those who do not experience it directly. In the second part of the contribution, a communication model is proposed for the description of marginal territories, which, despite possessing a high cultural potential, are victims of neglect and unawareness caused by accessibility issues. This section analyzes how the methods of multimedia storytelling can be suitable for conveying content that relates the territory to its intangible culture, enabling modes of storytelling that mix testimonies, documents and heterogeneous content in a single journey. The third part presents an application of this model to a case study that embodies these criticalities and opportunities: the Quattro Province (“Four Provinces”) area and the cultural heritage related to its musical tradition. With respect to this case study, the narrative process is highlighted in terms of identification of the salient features and events of the territory; documentation and iconographic research; selection, drafting and processing of materials; identification of communication formats. In conclusion, perspectives on the applicability of the model to contexts with comparable attributes are discussed.
Marco Quaggiotto is a senior researcher at the Design Department of Politecnico di Milano, where he holds a PhD in Industrial Design and Multimedia Communication. Since 2009 he has been a lecturer at the Design School of the Politecnico di Milano, where he teaches Communication Design with a focus on digital communication formats. His work is focused on the field of Communication Design, with particular interest in the design of digital interfaces for the exploration of complex territories and systems, the application of digital cartography to narrative formats, and issues related to the representation and interaction with data and knowledge systems. Tommaso Tresso is a visual and multimedia designer. He holds a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano with a thesis on the communication of rural territories, intangible heritage and folk traditions. He has been collaborating with the research group “Communication Design for the Territory” on research related to the communication of cultural contents through digital multimedia immersive formats, focusing on the development of storytelling formats for intangible heritage, in rural and abandoned territorial contexts.
Tommaso Tresso is a visual and multimedia designer. He holds a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Communication Design at the School of Design of Politecnico di Milano with a thesis on the communication of rural territories, intangible heritage and folk traditions. He has been collaborating with the research group “Communication Design for the Territory” on research related to the communication of cultural contents through digital multimedia immersive formats, focusing on the development of storytelling formats for intangible heritage, in rural and abandoned territorial contexts.