Baza danych projektów PROW

Six LAGs intend to innovate communication of cultural heritage through transnational cooperation (TNC) among actors & artisans typically involved in festival activities. The partners also aim to generate interest among & employment for rural youth.

Pärnu Bay Partnership (Pärnumaa, Estonia)

The project, funded via measures 421 (TNC) & 313 (encouragement of tourism activities), roots in the partner's interest to enable entrepreneurs, NGOs and other associations to expand their range of activities/products through the acquisition of historical/cultural knowledge and medieval-style skills. Differing degrees of experience within the partnership are expected to benefit all participating areas, thus ultimately increasing local income and culturally enriching the rural population's life.

The objective of this project is to improve the attractiveness and profitability of medieval festival activities. The partnership intends to innovate the communication of cultural heritage through transnational cooperation among artists & artisans typically involved in festival activities. More specifically, the project aims to: i) improve current ways of relaying cultural identity and employment opportunities, in particular to the local youth; ii) develop local branding strategies to improve the popularity of the participating areas, at regional, national and international level; iii) attract more artists, artisan operators of market stalls and tourists to the participating rural areas.

Six medieval festivals are held during two years, each involving the participation of at least two other LAG partner areas. Joint activities during the festivals include: i) medieval lifestyle camps; ii) medieval crafts & arts workshops; iii) artist exchanges on medieval music, theatre and other performing arts. Aiming to enhance potential for future employment in the arts & crafts sector, activities will include local youth. Hosting LAGs also organise a visit to its Leader area and projects.

Preparing jointly for the medieval festivals, event organisers from Estonia, Latvia and Portugal have reportedly acquired a wealth of valuable new experience. Several training courses were held to introduce interested citizens to new knowledge and practical skills related to medieval lifestyle. Following the skills transfer a first set of medieval costumes has been produced for use during the festival activities. Partners have confirmed that the joint work has added value to their medieval festival business, as the cooperation of artists, artisans and entrepreneurs from different countries has provided access to new approaches, methods and, most importantly, new sources of inspiration.

Different national TNC application rules represent the project's main challenge: with the summer season being the main festival period, the project made an early start, while some partners were still awaiting approval. Alternative sources of funding (sponsors & private donors) were sought. Differences in the rules governing travel & subsistence expenses required also a precise agreement how to share these costs between host & visiting partners.

Estonia (Pärnu County), Finland (Satakunta Region), Latvia (Kurzeme Region), Portugal (Santarém District/Centro Region and Aveiro District/Greater Metropolitan Area of Oporto), France (Département Aveyron, Midi-Pyrénées). During 2013, workshop and festival activities are programmed to take place in May (Tomar, Portugal), June (Sauveterre de Rouergue, France) and August (Ulvila, Finland).

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https://www.hansamarkkinat.fi/default2.asp?active_page_id=1096

Toomas Abel

toomas.abel@haademeeste.ee

+372 433 1053

English, Estonian