Art in movement, art as movement: Collective action and collective gathering for intangible cultural heritage sustainability

Abstract

Carnaval de Negros y Blancos is a mixed-race festive act inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). It hosts collective gatherings that provide opportunities for identity emergence and reaffirmation, where heritage owners lead top-down and bottom-up safeguarding efforts. This study aims to document the processes of collective action for sustainability, by analyzing top-down and bottom-up initiatives for safeguarding. We conducted a mixed-methods study in Pasto, Colombia, using data from interviews with ICH stakeholders (n = 59) and from surveys with carnival players (n = 403). Heritage safeguarding, peacebuilding, human expression, transcendent experience, and evolving identities are the main themes within safeguarding movements. Additionally, the quality of participation in the event, either as performer or not performer at Senda del Carnaval, relates to sociocognitive and emotional processes of both social movements and collective gatherings. Findings portray ICH as a context for sustainable cities and communities, as well as increased peace, justice, and responsive institutions. © 2024 International Society of Political Psychology.