The meeting of the International Executive Committee of IOV – International Organization of Folk Art concluded successfully in Bergamo, marking a significant moment for the promotion of folk culture and intangible cultural heritage on a global scale. Held on September 19, 20 and 21 at Spazio Viterbi (Province of Bergamo), the event brought together the organization’s top leaders — an official NGO partner of UNESCO — with a territory long committed to preserving its cultural traditions.
The choice of Bergamo as the meeting location held symbolic and strategic importance. In 2021, the city was awarded the title of “City of Folklore” by the Italian Federation of Folk Traditions (FITP), in recognition of its strong cultural identity and the tireless efforts of local folk groups and institutions in safeguarding and promoting folk traditions.
A High-Level International Institutional Moment
The meeting was attended by the following members of the IOV Executive Committee:
- Fabrizio Cattaneo, Secretary General of IOV
- Guenter Lippitz, Vice President of IOV
- Hendrik Huijser, IOV Financial Director
- Clara Huijser, IOV Financial Advisor
The institutional welcome was delivered by Romina Russo, President of the Bergamo City Council, who addressed the international delegation:
“It was an honor to welcome the IOV Board to Bergamo for these days of dialogue and planning. In our city, folklore is a living expression of collective identity — something that unites generations and engages with the world. This meeting has strengthened our commitment to promoting these valuable cultural forms.”
A territory in the spotlight: living traditions and community participation
The event also saw enthusiastic participation from the province’s folk groups, coordinated by the Bergamo branch of FITP. Among the many present were: Ducato di Piazza Pontida, the traditional masks of Giopí and Margì, the Taissine of Gorno, the Lampiusa of Parre, the Sifoi of Bottanuco, Arlecchino Bergamasco Folk, La Compagnia del Re Gnocco, the Caporales Vi Miejo San Simon, and the Etno Dim Cultural Center.
The initiative offered an important platform to showcase the work of local communities in preserving and promoting folk traditions, folk art, and intercultural dialogue.
Fabrizio Cattaneo: a bridge between Bergamo and the world
The international activities of IOV are currently led by Fabrizio Cattaneo, a native of Bergamo, IOV Secretary General, and President of IOV Italy. A key figure in both the Italian and international folklore scenes, Cattaneo is known for his work as a cultural organizer, researcher, and promoter. He is also Vice President of FITP nationally, a member of the folk group I Gioppini di Bergamo, and a Knight Jure Pleno of the Ducato di Piazza Pontida. Locally, he is especially recognized for his leadership of the International Festival of Folklore and Traditions, which annually brings artists and groups from around the world to Bergamo.
“I was deeply honored to welcome the IOV Board to our city for this important meeting,” said Cattaneo. “The board meeting was essential for planning the organization’s next steps, including the upcoming international scientific conference ‘Anthropology in Borderlands’, to be held on October 22–23 in Cieszyn, Poland, with scholars from various countries. I thank FITP Bergamo and the Bergamo City Council for their invaluable support.”
A strong bond between community and identity
“We were determined to create this institutional opportunity for dialogue and welcome,” noted Laura Fumagalli, President of FITP Bergamo. “We are proud to host the IOV World delegation and especially to celebrate Fabrizio Cattaneo, one of the most important figures in our province for the promotion of intangible culture. Fabrizio not only represents the deep connection between folk traditions and our community, but also confirms how Bergamo’s citizens genuinely value their cultural heritage and are eager to share it with the world.”
The Bergamo meeting served not only as a key moment of strategic planning for IOV, but also as a powerful reminder of the essential role local communities play in preserving and transmitting intangible cultural heritage — a living legacy that continues to speak to the world through the voice of tradition.
