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Description
Heritage is that which is transmitted from one generation to another and it comes first through continuity. To ensure the sustainability of the heritage of Estonian Folklore, we want to strengthen the link between the curators of Estonian Folklore, bind Folklore local communities all over Estonia, and help them to stand for local interest. The development of the curators’ network and the inclusion of suitable people in it increase the ability of the curators to make local populations more interested in their heritage.
The project aims to create a network working all over Estonia in which every Folklore curator of a county has an adequate overview of curating activities all over the country. The project aims to make sure that all curators have received the necessary training to manage, promote and enliven the Estonian Folklore of their county.
During the project the following activities will take place:
- personal development evaluations with curators, to find out every person’s skills, opportunities they might have to promote Estonian Folklore and the resources they need to carry out their projects.
- formalized the job descriptions of the curators to carry out our purposes so that in all the counties our people work on the same bases.
- schooling and virtual information sessions once a month, to share our experiences, successes and failures, to advise each other.
- mapping the current situation of Estonian Folklore preservation in every county to find out the strengths, weaknesses, and resources we have and the ones we need in every county. It is the first map of this kind.
Summary of project results
Cultural funding and regional policy in Estonia remain inconsistent, creating challenges for the sustainability of traditional culture. Recognizing that empowering local communities is key to preserving cultural heritage, a structured initiative was launched to support and develop a network of folklore curators. The project provided an opportunity to assess curators'' developmental needs, gain insights into the state of traditional culture across regions, and establish guidelines for future progress.
The project facilitated collaboration between curators and the coordinating council, fostering a unified team working toward shared goals. As a result, curators became more motivated to engage in the network, leading to the growth of local networks. Initially, curators faced challenges working independently, but through the project, they learned how to build and sustain core teams of 6-7 members—essential for effective local leadership.
Regular training and guidance enhanced curators’ ability to manage themselves and their communities within the volunteer network. Each region now has specific activities and objectives to pursue, ensuring structured development.
Key activities included fostering collaboration between curators and the council, which led to the establishment of local teams and networks. These teams, consisting of 6-7 members, are crucial for local leadership and long-term sustainability. Regular training, development conversations, and virtual meetings provided curators with the tools to better manage their responsibilities and engage local communities.
Impact assessments showed that the development conversations were seen as essential by most curators, with the majority finding value in multi-day courses and virtual meetings for knowledge exchange. Local network meetings were particularly successful in involving a wide range of participants, enhancing citizen engagement in cultural initiatives. The overall project resulted in increased trust and communication between curators and the Estonian Folklore Council, as well as a clearer understanding of the curator role.
Looking ahead, the project will continue through initiatives like virtual meetings, courses, and regional network activities. Efforts to sustain the project include ongoing evaluation, fostering new volunteer network structures, and advocating for key cultural issues.