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Media Review | The Art of Italian Shoemaking Towards UNESCO Recognition
Selected media coverage on the launch of the candidacy process for the Art of Italian Shoemaking as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
The candidacy process for the Art of Italian Shoemaking on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List is officially underway. The initiative aims to recognise, safeguard and transmit to future generations one of the most representative forms of Italian craftsmanship and Made in Italy know-how.
Promoted by Assocalzaturifici, Museimpresa, CERCAL and Politecnico Calzaturiero through the Promotion Committee chaired by Giovanna Ceolini, the candidacy highlights Italian shoemaking as a living cultural heritage: a system of techniques, knowledge, professional languages, practices and shared values rooted in territories, productive communities and intergenerational transmission.
The initiative was presented in Rome at the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, during the 2026 General Assembly of Assocalzaturifici. The process will involve institutions, enterprises, training centres, cultural actors, research bodies and the communities of practitioners who keep this heritage alive through their daily work.
This page gathers a selection of articles and media coverage dedicated to the launch of the candidacy process.
Official sources
Assocalzaturifici
“The Art of Italian Shoemaking Nominated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage”
Official press release announcing the launch of the candidacy process and presenting the cultural value of Italian shoemaking as living heritage.
Read the official press release
Assocalzaturifici
“Italian Footwear Craftsmanship Towards UNESCO Recognition”
Official note on the establishment of the Promotion Committee and the institutional launch of the candidacy process.
Read the official note
National media coverage
ANSA
“Calzatura italiana candidata a Patrimonio Immateriale UNESCO”
The Italian news agency reports on the launch of the candidacy process and presents the initiative as a recognition of a living cultural heritage rooted in work, skills and transmission.
Read the article
Teleborsa
“Calzatura italiana: nasce il Comitato per la candidatura UNESCO”
The article focuses on the official presentation of the candidacy process at the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy and on the establishment of the Promotion Committee.
Read the article
FashionNetwork
“Assocalzaturifici candida l’Arte della Calzatura Italiana al Patrimonio UNESCO”
A fashion industry perspective on the candidacy and its relevance for the Made in Italy sector.
Read the article
Sector and international coverage
LaConceria
“Italian shoemaking tradition seeks UNESCO heritage status”
A specialised industry outlet frames the candidacy as a recognition of the cultural value of Italy’s footwear-making tradition.
Read the article
InItaly
“Italian Shoemaking Craftsmanship Candidacy for UNESCO Intangible Heritage”
An article presenting the start of the nomination procedure and the safeguarding of artisanal skills and traditional knowledge.
Read the article
Foto Shoe Magazine
The Art of Italian Shoemaking has been nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List
A specialised footwear publication highlighting the role of craftsmanship, transmission and Made in Italy in the candidacy process.
Read the article
Collection Magazine
“Italian Footwear Charts a Cultural Future at the Annual Assocalzaturifici Assembly”
A feature connecting the UNESCO candidacy with the broader cultural positioning of Italian footwear.
Read the article
Whoopsee
“Made in Italy Footwear Aims for UNESCO”
A short article explaining the cultural and symbolic value behind the candidacy process.
Read the article
The articles listed on this page are hosted on external websites. They are shared here for informational and documentation purposes as part of a thematic media review on the launch of the candidacy process for the Art of Italian Shoemaking as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.