NEWS DETAILS

The board unanimously adopts the progress report and approves five recipients of the 2026 Arirang Master Award.

UNESCO NGO accreditation, integrated heritage safeguarding, digital innovation, and future board governance are among the major strategic priorities.

Arirang Culture Connect (ACC) | Seoul, Republic of Korea | 8 November 2026

Culture Masters (CM) convened its 8th International Advisory & Directors Board (IAB) Meeting online on 7 November 2026, bringing together international advisers to review the organisation's achievements, assess ongoing initiatives and shape its future directions for global cultural cooperation.

Chaired by Dr. V. Jayarajan, the meeting unanimously adopted the Secretariat's progress report and approved all five nominees for the 2026 Arirang Master Award. Board members also exchanged views on international partnerships, digital heritage initiatives, UNESCO NGO accreditation, integrated heritage safeguarding, and the organization's future governance.

Five Cultural Masters Honoured with the 2026 Arirang Master Award

The Board approved five distinguished cultural practitioners from France, China, India, Cameroon, and the United Kingdom for the 2026 Arirang Master Award, recognising their outstanding contributions to safeguarding and transmitting traditional cultural knowledge and artistic practices.

The approved recipients are:

• Fabienne Picaud (France) – Recognised for her contributions to glass art and sculpture.

• Dr. Ze Xun Zhang (China) – A fifth-generation inheritor of the renowned Clay Figurine Zhang tradition.

• Punita Sharma (India) – An accomplished practitioner and exponent of Kathak dance.

• Ibrahim Ndachingamndi (Cameroon) – Recognised for his knowledge and practice of traditional botanical knowledge.

• Lyndie Wright (United Kingdom) – A distinguished puppet maker contributing to the preservation of traditional puppetry.

Established in 2023, the Arirang Master Programme has steadily expanded its international recognition network, now reaching practitioners across 25 countries. A dedicated feature by Arirang Culture Connect will present the recipients and their contributions in greater detail.

Expanding International Cultural Cooperation

International cooperation remained a central theme of the meeting. The Board discussed potential cultural initiatives in Xiamen, China, in connection with the 21st Session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, scheduled for 30 November–5 December 2026.

Culture Masters and the Inter-City Intangible Cultural Cooperation Network (ICCN) are exploring opportunities to organise an international seminar, cultural exhibitions and an Arirang Master Award ceremony in Xiamen, subject to further consultation with Chinese and international partners.

These initiatives are being considered as independently organised activities and are not official UNESCO events.

Culture Masters also welcomes sponsorship, institutional partnerships and international collaboration to support these proposed initiatives and future cultural exchange programmes.

Another important initiative discussed was a proposed international symposium in Khiva, Uzbekistan, in 2027, focusing on the relationship between cultural heritage and climate change. The proposed symposium would provide opportunities for IAB members, Arirang Masters and heritage specialists to exchange knowledge on traditional practices, climate adaptation and community resilience.

Strengthening Heritage Safeguarding and Institutional Development

The Board reviewed preparations for potential UNESCO NGO accreditation under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Discussions emphasised institutional readiness, transparent procedures and strengthened cooperation with National Commissions for UNESCO and relevant international networks.

Members also highlighted the importance of adopting a more integrated approach to heritage safeguarding, recognising the interconnected relationship between intangible, tangible and documentary heritage in sustaining living cultural traditions.

The Secretariat presented updates on the development of the ichmasters Global Platform, alongside Arirang Culture Connect (ACC) and CM School. These initiatives form important components of Culture Masters' broader vision of building a Global Living Heritage Ecosystem that connects practitioners, communities, researchers and institutions through digital innovation and international cooperation.

Looking towards spring 2027, when the founding IAB members complete their initial four-year terms, the Board also discussed future membership renewal, new nominations and opportunities to strengthen participation in international working groups.

Towards a Shared Cultural Future

The 8th International Advisory & Directors Board Meeting reaffirmed Culture Masters' commitment to connecting cultural practitioners, communities, scholars and institutions through international recognition, knowledge exchange and practical cooperation.

By strengthening international partnerships, supporting heritage practitioners and advancing innovative approaches to cultural safeguarding, Culture Masters aims to contribute to the preservation of cultural diversity, sustainable development and a global culture of peace.

Founded in 2023, Culture Masters continues to advance its mission of empowering living heritage practitioners and building meaningful connections across cultures, generations, and communities.

Further Information

• Arirang Culture Connect (ACC)

• Xiamen 2026 Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities

Contact: culturemasters.1@gmail.com