Advancing Cultural Identity Studies Through Contemporary Art Practice and The Preservation of Intangible Heritage in Global Contexts

• Author(s): Akintayo Ezekiel Akintobi
• Paper ID: 1710182
• Page: 528-550
• Published Date: 31-05-2021
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 4 Issue 11 May-2021

Abstract

This study explores the evolving relationship between contemporary art practice and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, examining how artistic expression can serve as a dynamic medium for advancing cultural identity studies in diverse global contexts. Contemporary art, with its capacity for innovation, dialogue, and critical reflection, offers unique avenues for safeguarding and revitalizing intangible heritage such as oral traditions, performance arts, rituals, craftsmanship, and social practices. By integrating traditional narratives with modern techniques, artists not only reinterpret inherited cultural forms but also engage audiences in cross-cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding of identity in a rapidly globalizing world. The research draws on case studies from multiple regions, illustrating how art practitioners incorporate local knowledge systems into installations, performances, and multimedia projects to challenge cultural homogenization and promote heritage resilience. It further analyzes how art spaces both physical and digital serve as platforms for intercultural dialogue, community participation, and policy advocacy, thereby contributing to sustainable cultural development. Emphasis is placed on the role of transnational networks, cultural institutions, and collaborative projects in amplifying marginalized voices and preserving community-based knowledge. The study also considers the ethical dimensions of representation and appropriation, stressing the need for context-sensitive approaches that respect cultural ownership while enabling creative adaptation. By situating contemporary art practice within the broader discourse of heritage preservation and cultural identity, this work underscores the interplay between artistic innovation and socio-cultural continuity. Ultimately, it proposes a framework where contemporary art not only reflects cultural realities but actively shapes and sustains them, ensuring that intangible heritage remains relevant, accessible, and adaptable for future generations. The findings highlight that art, when strategically aligned with heritage preservation principles, can act as both a mirror and a catalyst documenting lived experiences while inspiring transformative cultural futures in a pluralistic global landscape.

Keywords

contemporary art practice, intangible cultural heritage, cultural identity studies, globalization, heritage preservation, intercultural dialogue, community-based knowledge, cultural sustainability, artistic innovation, transnational collaboration

Citations

IRE Journals:
Akintayo Ezekiel Akintobi "Advancing Cultural Identity Studies Through Contemporary Art Practice and The Preservation of Intangible Heritage in Global Contexts" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 4 Issue 11 2021 Page 528-550

IEEE:
Akintayo Ezekiel Akintobi "Advancing Cultural Identity Studies Through Contemporary Art Practice and The Preservation of Intangible Heritage in Global Contexts" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 4(11)