Introduction

This Special Issue follows and complements a previous special issue on art and heritage disputes. Taken together the two special issues adopt a holistic approach to cultural heritage, considering the dynamic link or dialectical relationship between the tangible and intangible heritage. As intangible heritage is made up of processes and practices-its fate depending on oral transmission and being closely related to its creators and context-it may need ad hoc safeguarding approaches and methodologies. In particular, this special issue aims to explore some examples of intangible heritage related disputes, highlight the main tenets of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and suggest avenues for ways forward and further research.