The Government is setting up an inventory to recognise intangible cultural heritage in the UK. We will open a public call later this year and would welcome a submission on cask ale.
As part of the implementation of the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the UK Government is working closely with the Devolved Governments to create inventories for each of the four nations in the UK; these will combine into one inventory of Living Heritage (or Intangible Cultural Heritage) in the UK.
Following a public consultation (www.gov.uk/government/consultations/2003-unesco-convention-for-the-safeguarding-of-the-intangible-cultural-heritage) on the inventory process, we will open a call for submissions later this year for communities to submit items of living heritage.
The Government would welcome a submission from the cask ale community on the production and serving of traditional British cask ale. Subject to the submission meeting the criteria outlined in the consultation response, the item would be included.
Inclusion in the inventories of an item would provide recognition of the item’s significance, contributing in part to the safeguarding of the item through greater awareness and understanding. The Government will set out its approach to further supporting communities to safeguard their living heritage later this year.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
