On Friday 21 November 2025, the HIGHRES project held its European Dissemination Conference, hosted by our partner, the University of Milano-Bicocca. Under the theme ‘The role of digital storytelling in the promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage’, the hybrid event brought together researchers, storytellers, cultural organisations, and community innovators from across Europe. Throughout the day, participants explored how digital narratives can help celebrate, transmit, and promote Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in socially inclusive and meaningful ways.
Conference highlights
The conference programme offered a comprehensive overview of the project’s achievements, methods, and long-term ambitions, complemented by a series of case studies from different European contexts.
– “ICH and Storytelling in Araisi to promote sustainable tourism” — Eva Koljera (Vidzeme Tourism Association, Latvia)
Eva Koljera presented the Araisi case study, showing how storytelling can help connect local heritage with sustainable tourism strategies. Her intervention highlighted the role of community-based narratives in strengthening rural identity and enhancing visitor engagement.
– “How to tell a story in a digital way” — Hester Tammes (Storytelling Centre Amsterdam, NL)
Hester Tammes offered practical insights into the craft of digital storytelling, guiding participants through techniques that can empower communities to share their heritage creatively and authentically. Her presentation provided valuable methodological tools for practitioners and educators alike.
– “Digital storytelling: case studies from Spain” — Pedro Ernesto (University of Jaén, CEI Patrimonio, ES)
Pedro Ernesto shared examples from Spain where digital storytelling has been used to document local memory and give visibility to community voices. His contribution illustrated how digital tools can support participatory heritage work in rural settings.
– “Social innovation practices in Monte Redondo case study” — Prof. Mario Moutinho (Lusófona University, PT)
Professor Moutinho discussed the Monte Redondo case study, demonstrating how heritage practices can serve as catalysts for social innovation. His presentation emphasised the role of community-driven initiatives in fostering territorial cohesion.
– “Intangible cultural heritage and social innovation at Ecomuseo del Castagno dell’Etna in Sicily” — Lavinia Lo Faro (Ecomuseo del Castagno dell’Etna, IT)
Lavinia Lo Faro showcased the work of the Ecomuseo del Castagno dell’Etna, highlighting how intangible heritage can empower local communities and support social and economic revitalisation. Her contribution underscored the importance of long-term, participatory heritage processes.
Resources that outlast the project
Over the past two years, the HIGHRES consortium has co-created a robust collection of tools and resources designed to support communities well beyond the project’s lifetime. All materials are freely accessible and available in multiple languages through the HIGHRES website.
– Good Practices Handbook
A collection of examples and guidelines on identifying, managing, interpreting, and promoting intangible cultural heritage through participatory and digital approaches.
– Methodological Framework and Training Pathway
A set of guidelines and toolkits that help educators, heritage practitioners, and local administrations design digital storytelling initiatives and training activities tailored to their community needs.
– Online Training Modules and Materials
A flexible learning pathway aimed at supporting rural communities in developing projects that highlight intangible cultural heritage as a resource for sustainable local development, with a particular focus on tourism as one possible driver.
Looking ahead: The legacy of HIGHRES
HIGHRES was created with a clear ambition: to empower rural communities across Europe to preserve, revitalise, and promote their intangible cultural heritage through digital storytelling. As the project concludes, we hope that its methods, tools, and shared experiences will continue to inspire new initiatives, new collaborations, and new stories.
Beyond its outputs, HIGHRES leaves behind a European community that values participatory approaches, intergenerational dialogue, and the role of storytelling as a bridge between people, places, and memories.
We look forward to seeing how the ideas and practices developed through HIGHRES will continue to grow, evolve, and contribute to more resilient and vibrant communities.