Can Folklore Be a Cool Thing?

Exploring some contemporary aspects of folklore inspirations

Katarzyna Marcol
Magdalena Szyndler
Krzysztof Pajak
Piotr Szewczyk, by Turczyki

Chaired by Katarzyna Marcol (Poland), University of Silesia in Katowice; with Magdalena Szyndler (Poland), Institute of Music Faculty of Fine Arts and Music in Cieszyn University of Silesia in Katowice; Piotr Szewczyk (Poland), International Malopolska Meetings with Folklore; Krzysztof Pająk (Poland), University of Silesia, Owner at Pijani Folklorem (“Drunked with Folklore”), Polish Section CIOFF General Assembly

In the session, we will be discussing redefinition of folklore in the era of globalisation, virtual reality and digital media. The main question is: in which aspects of life is folklore still an inspiration for young people? How do they find new paths of using traditional music, dance, folk costumes and other aspects of cultural heritage? The next question is about the role of folklore in creating identities of young people worldwide. Is ‘going back to the roots’ a deliberate act of searching for identity or rather a tool in the hands of politicians and activists to create an imagined community? The subject of discussion will be considered from many perspectives: ethnomusicological, choreographic, anthropological.