The ARCH Heritage Atlas

What is The ARCH Heritage Atlas?

The ARCH Heritage Atlas is a unified methodology developed by specialists to collect and evaluate global data on the vitality and threats to traditional crafts. It creates a robust framework for assessing risks and preservation options, enabling targeted support through funding, digital archiving in a global database, and networks for knowledge exchange and economic strengthening.

​

What’s Coming Up?

• In 2026, the framework will be tested and refined in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, with workshops in five planning regions involving craftsmen and communities—focusing on traditions like glassmaking to gather data on risks. Based on insights, it'll be fine-tuned for cross-cultural use. Results will be shared via the ARCH network with partners in over 40 countries to enable worldwide cataloging and preservation of endangered crafts

​

How to Get Involved

• Experts in intangible cultural heritage: Share your insights on expanding the evaluation framework, suggest adaptations for regional contexts (e.g., integrating it into heritage inventories), or propose collaborations for global dissemination and policy advocacy.

• Craftspeople and practitioners of traditional crafts: Join or host local workshops to apply the framework to your traditions, provide data on risks and vitality (e.g., for crafts like glassmaking), and connect with networks for knowledge exchange and economic support. 

• Universities and researchers: Partner on pilot studies or refinements in your region, contribute academic expertise for cross-cultural validation, or collaborate on digital archiving and data analysis in the global database.

• Local communities and organizations: Organize community-led assessments of endangered crafts, facilitate workshops with bearers of traditions, and help build networks for long-term preservation and funding opportunities.

• Policymakers and funding bodies: Explore integration into support programs, advise on targeted interventions for threatened crafts, or support dissemination through the ARCH network in your country or internationally.