Conservation and Revitalisation of Cultural and Natural Heritage

Programme Summary

Why is the programme needed? Estonia’s historical manor houses have been in decline over the years and now only 500 of the once 1,500 manor houses remain. Many of them were saved by giving them a new role as public schools. Today there are 59 schools and orphanages in old manor houses spread across Estonia, providing room and education for 3,578 children. 66% of these buildings require restoration and upgrading in order to safeguard their future and bring them in line with current requirements for a good educational environment. Past experience shows that the restored manor house schools also help attract visitors. What will the programme achieve? By supporting activities in this area, the programme contributes to economic development, creation of new jobs and social inclusion, as well as to a greater awareness about the importance of good heritage care. In this regard the programme ties in with the Europe 2020 Strategy and the aims set out by the European Commission for the EU Creative Europe 2014-2020 programme. How will it be achieved? The programme will: • Contribute to at least 25 resorted manor schools in at least 3 counties; • Gear-up the wider public’s greater awareness about the importance of good heritage care; • Promote cross-border and bilateral cultural cooperation and stimulate capacity development in this area by the exchange of knowledge and best practices between cultural players in Estonia and the donor states. How will bilateral relations be strengthened? The programme has a strong focus on strengthening bilateral relations for example by providing support for partner search for donor partnership projects prior to the preparation of a project application and through support for networking, exchange, sharing and transfer of knowledge, technology, experience and best practices. The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage Norway is the donor programme partner (DPP). There is a small grant scheme offering the possibility to apply for grants ranging between €20 000 and €60 000. What are the partnership opportunities? There is support for partner search activities and the development of partner projects. Bilateral cooperation and exchanges will gear-up the exchange of knowledge and best practices between cultural players in the donor and beneficiary states in this area and in doing so it will contribute to accelerated learning. Who can apply for funding under this programme? Eligible applicants are all owners of manor houses operating as schools. For the Small Grant Scheme the following are eligible applicants: non-governmental organisations as defined in Article 1.1.5(m) of the Regulation, and small and medium-sized enterprises.