Berlin's Techno Scene Added to UNESCO Cultural Heritage List
Berlin's techno scene has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its contribution to Berlin's cultural identity and distinctiveness, DW reports.
The techno scene is one of six new entries on the list of Germany's intangible cultural heritage. Others include fruit wine and mountaineering. A parade in Bavaria, known as the Kirchseeoner Perchtenlauf, where participants dress up as furry monsters, has also been added to the list.
Germany now has 10 entries on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Berlin's Clubcommission, a network of Berlin techno clubs and musicians, described the move as "another milestone for Berlin's techno producers, artists, club operators and event organisers".
Lutz Leichsenring, executive board member of the Clubcommission, told German broadcaster DW: "This decision will help us to ensure that club culture is recognised as a valuable sector worthy of protection and support."
The campaign to add techno culture and music to the list has been ongoing for over a decade, led by Rave the Planet, a non-profit organisation supporting electronic music culture.
Rave the Planet applied for the inclusion of techno in the list in November 2022.
The status of intangible cultural heritage is more often granted to more traditional cultural activities, such as Malawian mwinoge dancing or Slovak bagpipe culture. However, the recent recognition of Jamaican reggae and India's huge Kumbh Mela festival has prompted leaders of the techno community in Berlin to campaign for the inclusion of their scene.
According to Peter Kirn, a Berlin-based DJ and music producer, techno is a major part of the city. In 2021, he told the Observer: "In other cities, people wouldn't accept really hard or weird music, full of synths and really brutal, distorted drum machines. You can't play that at rush hour in a club, let alone at lunchtime. And here, it's perfectly acceptable to play it at lunch.
Created in 2003, the Intangible Cultural Heritage List is designed to preserve and support cultural traditions, which can include music, art, beliefs, cuisine and dance.
