History of IOV

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF FOLK ART (IOV) NGO in operational relations with UNESCO & the Greek representation IOV HELLAS IOV was founded in 1979 in Oostrozebeke/ In 1983 IOV was recognized with Status C by UNESCO and was accepted as a member of this UN-organization. In 1990 at its 134th meeting, the UNESCO Executive Board passed a resolution to classify IOV in category B (for information and consultative relations with UNESCO). According to the new UNESCO guidelines, IOV maintains official relations with this organization of the UN since January 1997. Following the adaption of UNESCO's Director-General on May 22"d, 1998, the Executive Board of UNESCO decided at its 154th session that IOV is admitted to operational relations with UNESCO in the future and can be classified in this category.

IOV INTRODUCES ITSELF The International Organization of Folk Art (IOV) is the only International Organization that deals with the basic issues of folk culture, folk art and the intangible cultural heritage. Primary goal of the organization is to create a level of understanding and tolerance among the various peoples of the world and to contribute thus to the promotion and maintenance of world peace. This organization welcomes all individuals and groups of the world irrespective of race, sex, language and religion.

The work of IOV is based on the respect of human rights and basic liberties of all peoples of the world. This figures significantly in the active participation of IOV in UNESCO's project "Culture of Peace". Tasks and goals IOV is a forum for all non-governmental institutions, ministries and public offices, which deal with folk culture as well as institutes, organizations, museums, universities, foundations, unions, associations, business organizations and other establishments as well as for individuals, who are practically, organizationally and scientifically engaged in folk culture, folk art and the cultural heritage. Members At present, members and collaborators of IOV work in 175 countries, 8 islands and archipelagos. They are divided in: 2161 individual members (scientists, organizers and practical workers) and 1012 non-governmental institutions and ministries as well as public offices, which deal with folk culture, institutes, organizations, museums, universities, foundations, companies, associations, regional folk groups, festivals and all bodies, who are involved in folk art and folk culture in a practical, organizational and scientific way. Total number of members: 3173 (August 1st, 2004) Additionally IOV maintains intensive contact and excellent working relations with persons and institutions in 201 countries of the world and with 192 national UNESCO-Commissions.

THE GREEK REPRESENTATION IOV HELLAS As the representative member of IOV in Greece, IOV Hellas is developing actions for the cultivation of cultural heritage and the promotion of scientific research, with the aim to point out the need for cooperation among various entities in the preservation and spread of popular culture and art, as well as for the cooperation among cultural entities from various nations of the globe. Its objectives and tasks included the organization of "International Symposia on Dance Research" by the "Greek Dance Archive" under the auspices of IOV; seminars and conventions on dance, traditional outfits, headband and popular culture in general; exhibitions of traditional outfits and craftsmanship, etc. Every year, IOV Hellas Journal is published and shared with all IOV members and friends about their cultural work and activities in Greece. Members of IOV Hellas include organizations, federations, associations, folk groups, dance teachers, scholars and researchers.