More information
Description
The project aims to preserve the National Cultural Monument – the precious Neological Synagogue in Trenčín by reconstruction works involving local craftsmen, with an emphasis on the needs of the local Jewish community. Moreover, a cultural centre shall be founded and shall serve as a place for cultural activities, presentations, and courses. Gender equality will be emphasized throughout the whole project. A steering group composed of representatives of all project partners will be composed equally of both sexes. The implementation will consider the reconciliation of professional and private life. The language of non-discrimination and approaches adapted to the needs of men, women, and minority groups will be used in the creation of outputs / promotional materials and information campaigns. As part of the project, all relevant documents via the project website will be transparently published. The public will have direct access to the results of the project. In the selection of employees, emphasis will be placed on the social aspect, with priority given to the inclusion of socially disadvantaged/vulnerable/Roma groups. Within the project a unique collection of monographs about European cultural heritage will be created with the cooperation of the Norwegian project partner – Jewish Community in Oslo. Moreover, three new jobs will be created, contact point open together with the souvenir shop and a permanent exhibition of Jewish Culture shall be open in the cooperation with another partner – Jewish Cultural Institute.
Summary of project results
The project "Restoration, reconstruction and revitalization of the Synagogue in Trenčín" was aimed to address the significant deterioration and structural damage of the Neological Synagogue in Trenčín and creation of the cultural centre. The Synagogue in Trenčín had suffered from inappropriate past renovations and it was not utilized to its full potential. It sought to meet the needs of the local Jewish community for a suitable venue for religious events and the broader Trenčín community''s need for a cultural center. Additionally, the project aimed to transform the Synagogue into a viable tourist attraction by improving its accessibility and technical infrastructure, including heating and statics repairs, electricity revisions, and energy-efficient upgrades. The initiative also focused on preserving the Synagogue''s historical and cultural significance, creating educational resources to promote Jewish culture and European cultural heritage, and promoting tolerance while combatting extremism and hate speech through cultural and educational activities.
The project "Renovation and revitalization of the Synagogue in Trenčín" involved extensive and comprehensive restoration works, including security, heating and electricity revisions and renewal, the replacement of windows to improve energy efficiency, and the restoration wall plasters and unique wall paintings. This investment part of the project transformed the Synagogue into a functional cultural center with facilities for film projections, discussions, and concerts, and provided the premises for the installation of the permanent Exhibition of Jewish Culture. Local craftsmen were engaged in the renovation process and restoration works, providing learning opportunities and strengthening local skills. During the project a documentary film has been produced, a brochure and promotional materials, all these publicity channels are ensuring active communication with the wide public. The Synagogue came closer to becoming an extraordinary tourist attraction with a contact point and new exhibition. Overall, the project provided the complex restoration of the monument and preservation of the Synagogue’s historical integrity, enhanced its cultural significance, and promoted tolerance, providing a sustainable future for the site and benefiting both the local community and visitors.
The project successfully restored the Neological Synagogue in Trenčín and provided its transformation into a functional cultural center. This new cultural centre will host diverse activities such as film projections, discussions, concerts, and exhibitions, while preserving its unique architectural features and historical integrity. This initiative enhanced local tourism by making the Synagogue a key attraction, and provided educational resources through a permanent Exhibition of Jewish Culture. Local craftsmen benefited from learning new restoration techniques, and the project fostered community engagement and promoted tolerance, benefiting the local Jewish community, residents, artists, tourists, and the wider public by enriching cultural offerings and enhancing social cohesion.
Summary of bilateral results
As part of the project, the cultural cooperation with the Jewish Community of Oslo has been developed. Similar in size to the overall Jewish community in Slovakia, which counts about 2-3 thousand Jewish people, it faces similar structural issues (aging, assimilation, external threads, etc.) and is dedicated to preserve its communal and religious activities. The promoter has organized presentation of the project in Oslo, a concert of the Pressburger Klezmer Band took place and workshop with our partners in Slovakia has been organised. The promoter has had a close cooperation with the Jewish Museum in Oslo, which provided its premises for events and has experience in cultural outreach towards general public and education of young people. Further close cooperation is planned during the European Capital of Culture Year, it is planned to welcome a group of young people from Oslo to Slovakia.