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Description
The general objective of the project is to create a favorable context for the development of rural communities by implementing the concept of heritage interpretation in the 12 localities in the RR network for 18 months by innovative methods, with specific objectives: building administrative capacity and developing entrepreneurship by interpreting cultural heritage in the localities of the RR network, audience development through contemporary art activities with the participation of 6 artists in 6 localities in the RR network and operating a heritage interpretation pilot centre in one of the RR network localities. The rural area of Romania is an extremely rich resource of tangible and intangible heritage, but most of it is insufficiently preserved and capitalized. We, therefore, identified the need for a cultural heritage interpretation pilot centre, which will be hosted in an existing building in one of the localities of the RR network, modern designed and equipped. In order to create a favorable context to the implementation of cultural heritage interpretation concept, training courses and transfer of know-how to the local authorities in the 12 localities of the RR network will take place through the organization of workshops and courses for tourist information centres and communities facilitators. The implementation of the cultural heritage interpretation concept in the pilot centre will be carried out with the active engagement of the community and will involve the promotion of local authentic values. The international joint team of experts involved in the project will develop the methodology for implementing the heritage interpretation concept that can be replicated throughout the existing network of RR, as well as in the localities to join the network in the future. The project will also include an important contemporary art component by organizing 6 artistic residences, where 6 artists will reinterpret cultural heritage elements into a contemporary key.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key challenges faced by rural communities. First, it sought to create a favorable context for their development by introducing the concept of heritage interpretation in the 12 localities of the Remarkable Romania (RR) network through innovative approaches. A significant challenge identified was the lack of dedicated spaces to showcase cultural heritage, which led to the decision to pilot a cultural heritage interpretation center. This center, established in an existing space within one of the RR localities, was specifically arranged and equipped to fulfill this purpose.
Additionally, the project aimed to address the limited expertise and resources of local authorities in implementing heritage interpretation. To overcome this, training courses and knowledge transfer sessions were conducted, including workshops for tourist information centers in the 12 localities. Another challenge was ensuring active community involvement in heritage promotion. This was tackled by engaging the local population in creating a community exhibition, which highlighted authentic local values and told the story of the area through innovative methods, fostering a stronger connection to the region’s cultural identity.
The project conducted research and documentation to develop a heritage interpretation methodology, resulting in the creation of one comprehensive methodology. It also designed a database structure for local entrepreneurs and compiled an inventory of entrepreneurs from Vad commune, producing a complete database. Training activities in heritage interpretation were organized, with 12 participants, including three employees of Tourist Information Centers and nine resource persons, receiving training in cultural entrepreneurship. Additionally, the project facilitated six artistic residencies and organized five cultural events. An artistic production interpreting the local heritage was created in the commune of Vad, and the Vad Collective Memory Point was operationalized to further support the initiative.
The project achieved significant outcomes for various beneficiaries. It directly impacted 12 communities within the Remarkable Romania network, benefiting local administrations through Tourist Information Centers, community leaders, and the general public. Additionally, 60 citizens contributed valuable information about personal and local cultural heritage, enriching the overall understanding and preservation of their shared history. Local entrepreneurs from the commune of Vad were also included in a database of local initiatives across the 12 localities, with at least five entrepreneurs participating in the fair organized for the inauguration of the interpretation center.
Young people from the 12 communities were engaged through knowledge transfer activities, fostering a shift in mindset regarding the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage as a driver of community development. The project also created four new jobs and drew participation from over 1,900 individuals in cultural activities, demonstrating its broad social and cultural impact.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral exchange within this project facilitated the transfer of know-how essential for developing a methodology for heritage interpretation and tailoring it to the unique characteristics of each locality. The cultural entrepreneurship course organized by the project partner played a key role in enhancing the skills of employees from Tourist Information Centers, community facilitators, and resource persons who participated in the heritage interpretation workshop. This enabled them to adapt the local cultural offerings to better align with the expectations of the public, ensuring a more effective and engaging presentation of cultural heritage.