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Description
The project predominantly aims to reconstruct and revitalize the national monument, the Old City Townhall, located in the historical centre conservation area. Secondly, the project aims to raise awareness about cultural and societal problems, a solution-focused approach, support for the creative industry, and the establishment of international cooperation. It also aims to strengthen the soft activities and cultural life in the City of Levoča. Roma inclusion is largely visible in the project. The project promotes their rights and socio-economic inclusion empowering Roma to change their own lives through education and employment, using advocacy techniques to enhance their participation in decision-making and fighting prejudice among the public. Social inclusion of vulnerable groups other than Roma is mostly visible in the implementation of measures that ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of the background. The selection of administrative and professional capacities involved in the management and implementation of the project respects the principle of gender equality and non-discrimination. There is no unequal remuneration for equal work based on sex in the context of the paid assessment of administrative and professional capacities. There is no gender discrimination in the target group and in the implementation of their activities; regardless of their racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity, taking into account specific needs of the target group. The Applicant counters corrupt practices and efforts and promotes transparency and accountability of public and private institutions involved in the project. The Partnership is based on the exchange, cooperation in soft activities, expert advisory measures and bringing successful foreign examples to project activities. The partners shall occasionally visit important events and present the uniqueness of the nation''s culture.
Summary of project results
The project CLT01027 dealt with the reconstruction and revitalization of the national cultural monument - the Old Town Hall of Levoča located in the very heart of the town of Levoča as well as raising the awareness of cultural and social problems, supporting the creative industry but also strengthening the soft activities and cultural life of the municipality. The objective of the project was also promote and establish international cooperation between Slovak entities (Town of Levoča, Slovak National Museum - Spiš Museum in Levoča) with Norsk Kultursenter, Gmina Stary Sacz (from Poland). Before the reconstruction, the use of the Levoča Town Hall was in a contrary to the historical significance, function and quality of the building. Therefore, the Town Hall required a complex architectural and urban planning solution which would contribute to the revitalization of the entire Master Paul square. The main goal in the investment part of the project - the restoration of the building was the striving for maximum protection, preservation and restoration of the historic character of the once dominant building.
The Town of Levoča set the goals that tried to achieve during the implementation of the project. Firstly, it actively involved the public, especially young people in the activities of the project, in the process of preparing new programs aimed at combating the phenomena of the brain drain, unemployment and education. The second aspect of the project was to increase the population''s awareness of the current problems, including sensitive topics - by organizing educational events with using the cultural identity of Levoča (focused on Roma culture and the problems caused by the current increasing of the extremism). The project partners represents different sectors - private sector was represented by the Norwegian donor project partner, public sector by the Town of Levoča Administration Office and the cultural sector by the cultural entities from Poland and the local Museums. This partnership structure was appropriately complemented by other actors (artists and craftsmen, non-governmental organizations, civic associations, etc.). Soft activities of the project were divided into the four main categories. Cultural and social activities and festivals (Welcome Spring, The Days of Master Paul, Carpathian Craft Market, The Old Autumn Festival and the New Year''s Eve celebrations, etc.). They were joined by the educational activities (seminars for the local students and pupils on the topic of the cultural entrepreneurship). The third category was dedicated to the project publicity and three conferences which were held and accompanied by a series of cultural events and press conferences. The project''s activities raised awareness of the visually impaired, blind and deaf living among us. The seminar on the protection of the cultural heritage was held for the general public which underlined the importance of registering Levoča in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Finally, activities with Norwegian and Polish partners, local and national influencers and bloggers were focused on brainstorming activities promoting Levoča as "The town you cannot miss".
The main target groups of the project "City Hall open to communities" were the general public, young people, students and pupils and national and international touruists and visitors who can now use tourist services meeting the requirements of thee 21st century. The important target group are also visually impaired people who have a strong presence in the town, such institutions as the Slovak Library of Matej Hrebenda for the Blind people in Levoča. Physicallydisabled people can currently enter to the Town Hall more easily after the years, the barrier-free access was built. Very important target group are the artists as they have found finally its way "home" - they have found a place full of art, joy and self-education.
Norsk Kultursenter as a donor project partner from Norway with its rich experience in making culture and art more attractive and with its business activities served as a model for the craftsmen who have their places in the Town Hall. They also participated in the events aimed in the connection of the Norwegian and Slovak culture. The exhibition of the Norwegian art, culture and life took place in the premises of the renovated building in September. Gmina Stary Sacz (municipality in Poland), helped in the development of an original craft market and products of folk production. The presentation of culture (application system, spots) for the public using modern technologies (IT literacy), promotion of the project in the town and community. Many Slovak entities took part within the project - Creative Association Levoča, the Slovak national Museum - the Spiš Museum in Levoča, the Art School in Levoča as well as Levoča Civic Association.
Summary of bilateral results
The project has been successfully completed, the cultural monument of the Town Hall Levoča is in an attractive location with an intensive tourist traffic and a Slovak-Norwegian team was created for the purpose of continuing new joint bilateral events of a smaller scale. The bilateral cooperation supported an initiative aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, improving collaboration and fostering mutual knowledge and understanding between Slovakia and Norway especially in the fields of the culture, art and the creative industry. Bilateral cooperation with the donor partner will continue if the project "Mysterious Levoča Without Borders."