With great satisfaction, on February 15th, various partners from the European MASKS project participated in the official presentation during the XII Mask Biennial - MASCARTE. Prof. Pilar Panero (University of Valladolid), Prof. António Pinelo Tiza (Iberian Mask Academy), and Alex Rodríguez (Brigantia Eco Park and Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro), under the brilliant moderation of Prof. Roberto Afonso (Iberian Mask Academy), addressed the relevance of preserving, revitalizing, and promoting shared intangible cultural heritage. We thank Pedro José Pires Rego, Vice-President of the Câmara Municipal, for introducing us.
The four professors, under the motto “Preserve the ritual. Invent the product” discussed:
1. MASKS Methodology and Results
The European MASKS project works with local mask makers (affectively tied to their communities) and professional artisans, including makers of instruments, costumes, and artistic recreations like urban muralism to visually impact communities. It emphasizes diverse profiles: artisans remunerated in related trades (mask makers, tailors, luthiers) who reproduce masks due to affective ties, fostering innovation and sustainability.
2. Online Course and Products
The online course trains students in cultural anthropology, sustainable heritage, creative/circular economies, digital tools, cultural tourism, and mask-making techniques, transforming traditions into innovative products. It offers interactive modules, mobility for the top 20 students, and hands-on lab practices, open to artists, students, teachers, and cultural entrepreneurs.
3. Identity and Entrepreneurship
The session highlighted the importance of these traditions in low-density demographic areas but high cultural density. It emphasized how masquerades strengthen community identity in rural zones, promoting cross-border exchange and cultural sustainability. A key focus was the artisan-entrepreneur, who turns hobbies into viable businesses. These entrepreneurs not only preserve ancestral techniques but attract new talent, drive generational renewal, and ensure the longevity of crafts for many years. The presentation underscored their potential to boost local economies and position masquerades as a driver of cultural and tourist development in the Iberian region.
4. Outreach
The professors stressed the importance of high-quality outreach following the path opened by Prof. Tiza, one of MASKS' guiding lights. The team highlighted exhibitions as a key means to reach wide audiences and educate on mask values.
We thank the Câmara Municipal de Bragança and the MASCARTE organization for inviting us to showcase our project in this professional forum. The photographs are courtesy of Miguel Ángel Cruz Sánchez. MASKS European Project | Academia Ibérica da Máscara | Brigantia EcoPark | Câmara Municipal de Bragança | Mascararte
