Based on collaborative research models long refined by the Center’s curators, SomVallBas seeks to strengthen all local cultural expressions and reinforce the sense of belonging. Smithsonian and Catalan researchers work together to promote the safeguarding of intangible heritage by:

• Identifying and documenting these cultural expressions
• Contributing to an inventory of such elements
• Fostering the sustainable development of one or more of these local living traditions

The Center sustains cultural diversity by collaborating with communities and using digital platforms to share these stories with a wider audience. SomVallBas engages the local community to make conscious decisions about the future of its cultural life.

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Pep García, on the accordion, accompanies Arnau Brosa for the Dansa de l’homenatge, or the Homage Dance, to honor the authorities present in Can Tista, St. Esteve, November 23, 2019.

Foto de Meritxell Martín i Pardo

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El Mallol resident Maite Calm and Pau Castanyer of St. Privat recall legends about Puigsacalm, Can Tista, and St. Esteve, November 23, 2019.

Foto cortesia de Clara Soler

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Emilia Bassols, former principal of the Verntallat primary school; environmentalist Raül Valls; Xesca Fluvià, conductor of the Hostalets choir; and Jaume Salgueda, fourth-generation blacksmith, discuss places in the Vall d’en Bas during a presentation in an old school building in St. Privat, November 23, 2019.

Photo courtesy of Júlia Albós

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Participants take a short break before continuing to discuss rural life in the Vall d’en Bas in Joanetes, November 24, 2019.

Photo courtesy of Adrià Sánchez

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Our team celebrates at the end of a long weekend sharing research with the community in Hostalets, November 24, 2019

Photo courtesy of Meritxell Martín i Pardo

At the Smithsonian, we promote cultural sustainability through the production of experiences that lead to conversation and often to the transmission of knowledge. These experiences engage the community to undertake certain actions—from dancing to the sound of an accordion and violin after a potluck lunch to sharing mushroom or berry preserve recipes.

In such exchanges, memories are stirred. In sharing recollections, community members recall long-dormant traditions and sometimes even bring them back to life. Our process expands our knowledge of those elements that the community cherishes most.

Our goal in interviewing residents is to develop an objective and current picture with the community. Informed with a representative map of cultural activities, the community will be positioned to decide which cultural expressions matter most to them and how they wish to nurture them in the future. By engaging the community in a process of co-creation, our intent is not just to create the opportunity to reflect collectively about the living traditions of the Vall d’en Bas, but also to engage all the stakeholders and find the strategies to make living traditions more sustainable.