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Description
"ROM (a) NOR Interferences" is an incursion into time and space to promote, capitalize on, and revitalize the cultural heritage specific to the Roma ethnicity through museology and social inclusion. Also, it contributes to the strengthening of bilateral relations between Norway and Romania through specific cooperation activities in the field of cultural heritage. The project is addressed to the Roma minority as a whole and the visiting public in Romania and Norway, as well as to the organizing museums (“Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum and Anno Museum). "ROM (a) NOR Interferences" is based on the principle of respect for diversity and the demystification of stereotypes. We will research the cultural heritage of the Roma to identify typical elements of vernacular architecture. Based on the research, a specific household with a complete inventory will be later rebuilt in the Village Museum, and the cultural goods will be preserved and restored by the museum specialists. To present their intangible heritage innovatively, we will also build an ethnographic heritage building construction augmented by virtual reality applications and other media. At the same time, the entire exhibition complex will be completed by panels with various digitally colored historical photographs. Another important part of the project focuses on empowering the Roma population through debate sessions, training activities, and public events. We aim to offer solutions related to social inclusion through courses in the field of creative industries and traditional crafts, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage. Roma craftsmen will also be trainers in workshops dedicated to school children. Anno Museum, our Norwegian partner, will participate in the research campaigns, the transfer of expertise in the field of restoration and curatorship, and in the debates focused on identifying the best practices for the revitalization and promotion of traditional Roma crafts.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to expand and diversify the cultural offerings of the Roma minority while cultivating new audiences interested in their history and stories. One of the key elements in combating discrimination is education that fosters tolerance and acceptance of multicultural diversity. ROM(a)NOR Interferences sought to raise awareness of Roma cultural heritage, challenge stereotypes, and promote intercultural understanding.
The project began with scientific research conducted in seven counties in southern Romania, where specific movable cultural goods were identified and acquired. Based on this research, a traditional Roma household was reconstructed within the Village Museum, and the movable cultural goods were preserved and restored by the museum''s specialists.
To promote Roma culture and strengthen the connection between the public and this historical minority, the project implemented several key activities:
- Training courses and promotional activities for the Roma community, aimed at introducing and fostering a new perspective on craftsmanship as a viable future profession for young people. A total of 384 Roma individuals benefited from these empowerment measures.
- Creation of an interactive space dedicated to Roma intangible cultural heritage, alongside an exhibition of historical digital photography showcasing Roma identity and cultural heritage. As a result, ten Roma cultural heritage items were revived.
- Organization of temporary exhibitions featuring Roma cultural heritage, facilitating cultural exchanges between Romania and Norway.
- Hosting five cultural fairs featuring handmade products, live demonstrations, and performances celebrating Roma cultural heritage. These events not only provided entrepreneurial opportunities for Roma craftsmen but also attracted over 99,000 visitors to the museum.
A representative household reflecting Roma culture was identified, transferred to the National Village Museum "Dimitrie Gusti," and showcased to the general public during a large-scale event.
To enhance the capacity of the Roma population and combat discrimination, 384 Roma individuals benefited from various capacity-building activities, including participation in field research campaigns, training in traditional Roma crafts, and active involvement in the five fairs dedicated to Roma heritage at the Village Museum.
Two exhibitions were organized in Romania and Norway to promote Roma heritage and identity in both partner countries. Additionally, ten professional staff members received on-the-job training, further strengthening their expertise in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
Summary of bilateral results
The Norwegian partner played an active role in all project activities, providing both consultation and direct contributions to their implementation. The Anno Museum, Glomdal Department was instrumental in developing the field research methodology, designing research tools, and participating in three of the seven field campaigns conducted in Călărași, Olt, and Dolj.The partner contributed to analyzing research reports, selecting Lazăr Năftănăilă’s household for reconstruction at the Village Museum, developing VR scenarios, and curating 40 digitally colorized photographs used in traditional Roma exhibitions. Additionally, two job-shadowing activities, each lasting a week, facilitated knowledge exchange and expertise transfer in European cultural heritage preservation.Further strengthening the project’s impact, the Norwegian partner helped organize four debate sessions and two temporary exhibitions—one in Romania and one in Norway—supporting the revitalization of traditional Roma crafts and fostering a deeper understanding of the Roma minority in both countries. Their involvement extended to developing promotional and visibility materials, including a Good Practices Guide and a catalog dedicated to the Roma minority.Lastly, the partner actively participated in organizing and attending one of the five fairs dedicated to the Roma minority at the Village Museum, further contributing to the project''s outreach and cultural exchange.