Activating vernacular heritages in the 21 century: towards organic models of preservation

This research analyzes and problematizes the ways in which vernacular heritage is being preserved, interpreted and activated in contemporary societies. More specifically, it focuses on the contributions of individual actors and projects - artisans, artists and designers - in the processes of activating vernacular heritage. Through an ethnographic approach centered on case studies, organic models are sought that go beyond the concept of preservation in its legal, bureaucratized and limiting conception, seeking other forms of continuity and sustainability of vernacular practices.

Maria Manuela Restivo is an anthropologist, researcher and curator. She holds a degree in Anthropology from the University of Coimbra, a master's degree in Museology from the University of Porto and a PhD in Heritage Studies - History of Art (2017-2022) from the same university, with the support of FCT. In 2016 she founded the project "Arte Popular de Ana a Zé", dedicated to documenting Portuguese popular art. Her work crosses the fields of heritage and vernacular artistic practices, which she disseminates through texts, projects and exhibitions.