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Description
The project aims at preparing promotion materials, manual books, installation of an exhibition of photographs and historical documents, organizing a conference that will deliver a message to the contemporary generation, based on the historical events associated with the Church of Dominicans and the Fraternity. Avoidance of the church facade destruction through completion of the commenced restoration work, resulting in the possibility of using the Dominican Square for the organization of cultural events in favor of the wide public. Complete provision of cultural centre Veritas furniture in order to provide valuable information services to visitors. Preparation of sufficient quantity of multilingual travel guides including written and audiovisual material required for activities of travel guides within the church, monastery, the Veritas and surrounding historical area. Providing for equipment and technique to the cinema hall for multi-purpose applications – especially for presentation of documentary films related to significant historical events that we shouldn´t forget in sake of our future. Preparation of cinema program in cooperation with the Norwegian partner and inclusion of Norwegian films in the offer, focused on media literacy of the youth affected by contemporary era achievements, and organizing a conference on the topic.
Summary of project results
Project "Today as a bridge to tomorrow – The Church of Dominicans in Košice" was a comprehensive project focused on the invesment part - restoration of the monument of Dominican Church in Košice and it was focused also on many cultural and social activities within community in Veritas Cultural Centre.
Key challenge of the project was to use the potential of the national cultural heritage monument of Dominican Church which is situated in the heart of Košice City. The Dominican Church needed at first massive restoration works, the reconstruction could consequently create ould create potential for the restart of its cultural live. The broken facade of the church could not ensure the preservation of this national cultural monument and it spoiled the overall appearance of the Košice Municipal Monument Reserve. Even after the reconstruction of Veritas Cultural Centre which is connected to the Dominican Church, it was not possible to restore its cultural and social significance so that it could be fully used by cultural actors and organizers of cultural events in the city.
Massive restoration works have been done on the west side of the polygonal closure of the sanctuary of the church and on the south and east side of the facade of the Dominican Church in Košice. Restoration works also included the renovation of the Lexmann cinema hall in the Veritas Cultural Centre, which is an organic part of the Dominican Church complex. The Lexmann cinema hall was equipped with a modern telescopic audience gallery and screening technology. It has brought new opportunities for cultural activities – in June 2024 this place was part of 30th edition of International film festival ”Art film” in Slovakia. The creation of a Tourist Information Office in Veritas Centre created improved conditions and services for visitors and tourists to the Dominican Church. Currently, it is possible to book guided tours of the Dominican Church and find promotional materials or advertising items connected withs the Church of Dominicans in Košice. The tourist guides, in cooperation with the project partner, were educated and trained. The intangible cultural heritage of grandparents - the social games "Bridge" - was made available to the youth people and general public. During the project, there were several professional conferences focused on the life and historical legacy of Jozef Mikuláš Lexmann, as well as media literacy, and the prevention of misinformation organised. Many cultural and social events have taken place there for the general public – such as interviews with local artists, concerts, cinema and theatrical performances for the whole families.
The church of Dominicans in Košice is a beautiful place and one of the main dominants of the city centre of Košice. The city life starts every morning here, the city marketplace is situated under the church windows and early in the morning hours local sellers prepare they products for local inhabitans. Close to the church, there are several coffee shops which are very popular among the visitors but also local residents. Here is possible to breathe history and enjoy the cultural and social life. The project provided possibility to finalise the restoration work on façade of the Dominican Church and kick-off the cultural activities for general public - for local inhabitants, local community connected to the church as well as for the domestic and foreigh tourists.
Many cultural and educational events are organized on the regular basis - events for the children – cinema or theatre performances. The talk shows and theatre and cinema performances for adults are also organized, the Veritas Centre is used also for social corporate events.
Summary of bilateral results
Project partners used the possibilities for exchange stays – Slovak partner visited Norwegian partner and its representatives and could learn from them. Norwegian partner made also several stays in Slovakia to make joined workshop on playing the bridge game. Participation in the project brought both promoter and its partner new perspectives how to combat extremism, radicalization and hate speech with focus on the young generation.