How We Use Art and Storytelling to Support Cultural Preservation
What We Do
Following the quest to connect humanity one country at a time, we have the ability to visit and learn from communities in every country in the world. During these visits we have learned that due to globalization and modernization, traditional cultural beliefs and practices from rural communities around the world are at risk of extinction. While communicating with these communities and the local organizations who support them, we have developed a number of programs to aid their preservation efforts.
Working with cultural leaders, we assist communities with documenting and publishing their folktales and oral stories. We rely solely on the communities and local organizations to compile the tales they wish to publish. This may range from one children’s fairy tale to an entire collection of myths and legends. Once the stories are documented, the community determines the best format for publication. Publications may be an illustrated children’s book highlighting one story, a complete cultural anthology of oral tales, or anything in between. Upon determining the publication type, we source book designers and illustrators as needed, consulting the the community every step of the way. Once they give final approval, we assist with publication. While Quest of Sages may promote the books online and at gallery exhibitions, they belong solely to the local communities and proceeds from sales go directly back to them.
Story Collection & Publication
Gathering Environmental Wisdom
Learning from rural communities who have lived sustainably for centuries as they work to protect their lands gives valuable insight into traditional practices that could help fight climate change and inspire others to take action. Upon gathering this environmental knowledge, we collaborate with all types of artists and writers to work on disseminating this wisdom to the world in creative new ways. Artists and writers are asked to create new conceptual work that emphasis the importance of combating the climate crisis and incorporate cultural knowledge, beliefs and traditions. The resulting work may be used by the communities and organizations for whom they’re inspired by. In addition, Quest of Sages will promote the artwork and stories through various methods, including gallery exhibitions, publication of written work and screening of video and performance based media. The goal is to build a coalition of creatives to spread the importance of climate action through art while also raising awareness to marginalized communities who just may hold the secret to achieving global sustainability.
While technological advancement may be the cause for youth increasingly becoming less engaged with their ancestral past, it may just be the solution at the same time. We collaborate with creators to implement innovative new solutions for fostering youth engagement through technology and immersive experiences. Interactive education modules, multimedia digital indexing of cultural knowledge, virtual reality experiences and gaming are all being explored as methods engage future generations. Embracing digital methods will not only ensure that young people of a particular culture learn about their own heritage, but this creative technology can be dispersed across the world to foster a global curiosity about humanity.
