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Description
The need for this project’s implementation originates in the latest trends in the field of librarianship, namely in the trial to overcome those traditional library practices which often make it difficult for the public to access collections of old or rare books. Among the direct effects of the project, we propose an increase of the general public’s accessibility to fragments of rare medieval manuscripts owned by the project promoter and the organizing of a composite exhibition (classic, video and digital consultation, tryout of exhibit items through demonstrative workshops) meant to facilitate an interactive tryout of the medieval history of Cluj, through the manuscripts of that time. Some indirect results of the project include the raising of the level of the general public’s awareness concerning the history of these manuscripts as well as regarding their fragility while confronted to the implacable passage of time. Moreover, we intend to facilitate the process of acquiring cultural (and scientific) knowledge of an entire historical tradition of multiculturalism and pluralism of religious confessions emerging from medieval Transylvania. Within the framework of the project, we propose, in a period of 24 months, a complex intervention (which implies expertise, restoration, treasuring) on 21 fragments of medieval codices, the training and professional development of 6 persons in the fields involved in this complex intervention, as well as the presentation, in a composite exhibition, of these restored mobile cultural goods. A partnership with the National Museum of the Unification Alba-Iulia has been set up in order to properly address the urgent need of restoring the manuscripts. Moreover, the partnership established with Bjerkaker LearningLab, a Norwegian NGO, will facilitate, through its formal and non-formal training activities through mutual exchange of experience, the creation of a model of good practices in complex intervention on cultural heritage.
Summary of project results
The need for the implementation of the project originates in the latest trends in the field of librarianship, namely in the trial to overcome those traditional library practices which often make it difficult for the public to access collections of old or rare books.
The project envisaged a complex intervention (including expertise and restoration) on 21 fragments of medieval codices, the training and professional development of 5 persons in the fields involved in this complex intervention, as well as the presentation, in a composite exhibition, of these restored mobile cultural goods.
As part of the project, 21 fragments of medieval codices from the heritage of the Library of the Cluj Branch of the Romanian Academy were restored and exhibited in an innovative composite exhibition, which took place in the vestibule of the Library of the Romanian Academy - Cluj Branch -Napoca, as well as in a itenerant exhibition (a smaller version of the in situ exhibition), in digital format, in the Maihaugen Museum - Norway. The exhibitions were visited by 7,530 visitors and participants in cultural activities. As well, 5 professionals developed their professional skills in the specific field of old book restoration and classification, as well as in the field of exhibition design (physical or through the use of multimedia technologies).
Summary of bilateral results
The representatives of the Norwegian partner trained the Romanian team through co-participatory activities, including non-formal training, activities aimed at preparing the two assistant facilitators for the paneling of the exhibition, respectively for guiding and animating visits to the exhibition for various groups or individuals. The Romanian experts were also involved in discussions related to the overall conceptual design of the exhibition (in situ and traveling), the promoter thus benefiting from a long curatorial experience of of the Norwegian partner''s representative.