Promoting the experience of preserving historic buildings in Latvia and Norway “Old house, a new story”

Bilateral initiative facts

Promoter:
NGO “Coordination Center of Cultural Projects”(LV)
Bilateral initiative number:
LV-BI015
Status:
Completed
Initial cost:
€53,390
Actual cost:
€50,254
Initiative Types:
Capacity building and short-term training
Partners:
Akershus Building Conservation Center(NO)
Programme:
Programme areas:

Description

Initiative aims at expanding the existing co-operation between Norway and Latvia in the field of preservation and restoration of cultural heritage (Kuldiga-Drøbak) by implementing joint restoration workshops in Norway and Latvia, promoting the exchange of good practices and promoting the exchange of experience and co-operation between Latvian and Norwegian heritage workers.

The authors of the initiative believe that there is a need for activities aimed not only at the exchange of knowledge between experts, but also at educating the public, in which owners, managers and those interested in the

Summary of the results

The continuity and sustainability of cooperation between Kuldīga and Drøbak in the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage was ensured. This expanded the dissemination of good practices and the exchange of experiences across Latvia, involving students and teachers from the Restoration Department of Zalenieki Commercial and Craft High School, as well as several hosts of the Zemgale manors.The activities enhanced the preservation and restoration of historical buildings in Latvia and Norway by implementing joint restoration workshops in both countries: Norwegian restoration experts led workshops in Latvia, while Latvian cultural heritage specialists gained insights into Drøbak''s rich cultural and historical restoration processes, historical building management, and cultural heritage preservation. An informative video was created, highlighting various important examples of historical building preservation and explaining why replacing historical wooden construction parts with PVC products is not advisable. This video serves as a visual guide and has been distributed to Latvian municipal construction boards, members of the Association of Latvian Castles and Manors, and various associations in Latvia. The restoration workshops have helped preserve ancient woodworking crafts and significantly contributed to preventing the disappearance of these traditional methods, which is a considerable threat.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.