Digital storytelling formats for the communication of intangible cultural heritage in rural and marginal territories: the case of the “Quattro Province” area.

This paper aims to investigate the potential of interactive long-form digital storytelling as a tool for the communication and promotion of intangible heritage, with specific reference to the situation of the so-called "Inner Areas", i.e. those rural or suburban realities that often have difficulties in promoting their cultural, social and artisanal heritage. The first part of the paper briefly outlines the characteristics of rural or suburban areas in the Italian context, highlighting on the one hand the central contribution of small municipalities in terms of intangible cultural heritage and on the other hand evidencing the specific needs of these realities that are often excluded from traditional touristic itineraries. From a communicative standpoint, the analysis emphasizes the urgent need for these areas to effectively communicate their cultural wealth that is otherwise inaccessible to those who do not experience it directly. In the second part of the contribution, a communication model is proposed for the description of marginal territories, which, despite possessing a high cultural potential, are victims of neglect and unawareness caused by accessibility issues. This section analyzes how the methods of multimedia storytelling can be suitable for conveying content that relates the territory to its intangible culture, enabling modes of storytelling that mix testimonies, documents and heterogeneous content in a single journey. The third part presents an application of this model to a case study that embodies these criticalities and opportunities: the Quattro Province ("Four Provinces") area and the cultural heritage related to its musical tradition. With respect to this case study, the narrative process is highlighted in terms of identification of the salient features and events of the territory; documentation and iconographic research; selection, drafting and processing of materials; identification of communication formats. In conclusion, perspectives on the applicability of the model to contexts with comparable attributes are discussed.