The IOV chronicle

A story still being written.

From one shared idea in Europe to a worldwide network for living heritage—discover the people, places and decisions that shaped IOV.

1979

Oostrozebeke · Belgium · 1979

Where the journey began

Oostrozebeke, Belgium · Contemporary viewSpotter2 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

1979

Founded

World Assemblies

40+

Years of cooperation

161

Countries active today

Four chapters

From an idea to a living network

IOV’s history is not only a sequence of dates. It is a record of relationships built across generations, disciplines and borders.

The beginning
1979–1983
A shared idea becomes an international movement
IOV began its work in Oostrozebeke, Belgium, and was formally incorporated in Austria. Its purpose was clear from the start: to connect the people who keep folk art and living traditions alive.
1979IOV is founded in Belgium and incorporated in Austria.
1980The first World General Assembly meets in Mödling.
1983UNESCO grants IOV its first official recognition.
Background archive
Founder Alexander Veigl. Official IOV portrait published with the organisation’s history of his life and work.
Official IOV publication · rights not stated
Growing worldwide
1986–2007
The network crosses borders and builds new bridges
Assemblies, conferences and cultural encounters brought members together across Europe, Africa and Asia. Local knowledge became part of a growing international conversation.
1986The second World General Assembly is held in Monastir, Tunisia.
1998IOV enters Operational Relations with UNESCO.
2007Members gather in Athens and Volos for the seventh Assembly.
Background archive
Monastir, Tunisia, host city of IOV’s second World General Assembly in 1986.
Gorik Francois · CC BY-SA 2.0
International recognition
2010–2019
Cultural practice gains a stronger global voice
Accreditation and consultative relations strengthened IOV’s ability to represent cultural communities in international heritage policy and cooperation.
2010IOV is accredited as a consultant to UNESCO’s ICH Committee.
2012Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC is granted.
2019The tenth World General Assembly convenes in Sharjah.
Background archive
Delegates at the IOV World Youth Congress in Nanjing, 2010.
IOV partner archive
The story continues
2020–today
A living network shaped by the next generation
Today, IOV connects cultural bearers, researchers, young people and organisations around the world—carrying inherited knowledge into new contexts without losing its roots.
2023The eleventh World General Assembly returns to Sharjah.
TodayThe network is active across 161 countries.
NextNew generations continue to document, practise and share living heritage.
Background archive
IOV participants at the eleventh World General Assembly in Sharjah, 2023.
© Marin Forcella · IOV archive