Description
This project seeks to promote social cohesion and entrepreneurship by helping to make Pürksi Manor School a hub of handiwork and creative arts in Noarootsi Parish. Substantial renovations to one of the manor’s outbuildings will allow it to serve as the estate’s new handiwork center. The center will bring together local artisans and those who wish to learn a handcraft for frequent and accessibly priced training workshops. Participants will be able to learn everything from felting and ceramics to wood restoration and blacksmithing. Not only will these workshops provide employment opportunities for teachers and potentially open up new revenue streams for attendees, they will also help Noarootsi keep its traditional folk arts alive. Further, beyond just equipping local residents with the skills they need to pursue entrepreneurial handiwork ventures and collaborations, this project will also provide them with platforms for selling their handcrafts. Bi-monthly farmer’s markets in the summer months will give local vendors an avenue for selling to tourists.
Summary of project results
Pürksi manor complex is used by Noarootsi Gymnasium and local community. The aim of the development project “Making Pürksi Manor School a Center for Handcrafts and Creative Arts“ was to restore a historic barn that has remained unused and equip it as a handicraft workshop. The equipment of pottery workshop was purchased and historical handlooms renovated. During the project implementation period 44 hours of trainings on ceramics, and 10 hours on stained glass were carried out. In addition the workshops on weaving, cooking and use of local traditional materials were carried out. Altogether 165 persons have been trained. Symbols of Pürksi manor and local souvenirs have been worked out. The works have been exposed on an exhibition. The trainings and activities have involved the students of the school, local inhabitants but also visitors. The handicraft centre is currently run on voluntary work basis, but there is a potential for job creation. The workshops are integrated into study curriculum and are thus sustainable. The project has been very successful among local people, but the number of visitors from other regions is constantly growing. The activities have attracted also local media. Main promotion has been carried out in social media.
Summary of bilateral results