Restoration of Bay House in Seini(RO) and Concert Hall in Kalush(UA) into Multicultural Centers
The project improved the quality of the local cultural infrastructure in Seini (Romania) and Kalush(Ukraine), by restoring historical heritage sites into Multicultural Centers. It increased the degree of cross-border intercultural engagement through the organization of common intercultural events (Folk Art Workshops, Gastronomy Classes and Festival) and it enhanced the touristic attractiveness of the region as a result of promoting the newly-created cultural entertainment possibilities.
Cross-border/international
Romania
Other
Ukraine
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ORASUL SEINI (SEINI CITY) - Romania - Lead Beneficiary role
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, NATIONALITIES AND RELIGIONS OF THE KALUSH CITY COUNCIL OF THE IVANO-FRANKIVSK REGION - Ukraine - Beneficiary role
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Name of the organisation(s): ORASUL SEINI (SEINI CITY) Type of organisation: Public authority (European/national/regional/local) First name of representative: GABRIELA-FLORICA Last name of representative: TULBURE Gender: Female Nationality: Romania Function: Mayor Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Unirii Square, 16 Town: SEINI Postal code: 435400 Country: Romania Direct Tel:+40 262 491 090 E-mail:primariaseini@yahoo.com Website:https://seini.ro/
This project addressed common problems identified by the two Partners, including: poor quality of the existing local cultural infrastructures, low degree of cross-border intercultural engagement and low touristic attractiveness of the region delimited by Seini (RO) and Kalush(UA). The implementation of the project provided this area with three results: an improved cultural infrastructure through preservation and restoration of two historical heritage sites, a tighter intercultural cooperation as a result of organizing common cultural events and activities, and a greater touristic attractiveness of the two cities as a result of increased promotion of newly-created cultural entertainment opportunities. The main activities of the project were the following:
1. restoring and endowing historical monument Bay House in Seini and civic monument Concert Hall in Kalush, in order to establish two Multicultural Centers “in the mirror”
2. organizing joint activities and events to intensify intercultural cooperation in the Romanian-Ukrainian border region. Each city organized a Folk Art Workshop, during which students from the other country learned songs, dances and crafts. Also, each partner organized Gastronomy Classes during which the citizens of the partner city learned to cook traditional dishes of the neighbouring country. A joint Festival was organized at the end of the project to present the intercultural skills gained by the participants
3.designing and distributing touristic promotional materials focused on the cultural entertainment potential of the two cities
The target group comprised 55 representatives of the local communities, who directly benefitted from the project by enhancing their intercultural knowledge: 36 students,7 teachers/artists,12 citizens with gastronomic skills. The indirect beneficiaries were the local communities of the two cities, together with tourists seeking unique cultural experiences.
CULTURE
TOURISM
COOPERATION
PRESERVATION
QUALITY
The project established the base of a cross-border network of Multicultural Centers. The most important measures that are taken for its institutional sustainability are: constant work of the two Centers followed by exploration of new opportunities and partnerships (inside and outside the borders), a strong communication strategy, encouragement of volunteer and community involvement, strong connection with regional authorities (which can help sustain and multiply the effect of the project results beyond the implementation period). The established Multicultural Centers both work in the subordination of the City Councils of Seini and Kalush respectively, municipalities which have the financial capacity to provide the necessary financial and human resources for the Centers' operation. Both cities strive to provide financial and organizational support for high-quality cultural projects, to promote the establishment of mutually beneficial cooperation between the cultural sector and business. As a result of the project, the targeted region is promoted as a joint tourism destination based on its cultural, historical, religious values, which helps the two municipalities to cooperate in a sustainable way from a social and economic point of view. The partners laid the foundation of a network of Multicultural Centers, which will be enlarged, by signing new cooperation agreements with other similar organizations from Romania and Ukraine, but also outside the borders,in order to cover a larger territory and to sustain the project results on a long run. In this manner, the obtained results durability is ensured and their effect is multiplied. The existing bonds between the two communities can successfully guarantee the sustainability of a common cultural exchange program which will contribute to the restoration of intercultural relations between Romania and Ukraine at the appropriate level.
One of the main objectives of the project was the preservation of the historical heritage. The current Multicultural Centers have been established in two historical monuments in Seini and Kalush, which were both in terrible conditions and on the verge of self-demolition. By restoring the two valuable buildings, the aesthetic of both cities was enhanced. The original appearance of the two buildings was preserved and the history was brought back to life. Although it was incuded in the cathegory of hard / infrastructure projects, the initiative did not focus only on the physical transformation of the two buildings. The intercultural engagement, celebration of diversity and inclusion were key objectives throughout the implementation of all envisaged project activities. In terms of personal experience, currently, in both Centers, extra-curricular activities for local students are organized, as well as various artistic and cultural events including all ethnical groups and minorities from the community. Children involved in the Folk Art Workshops organized during the project are still rehearsing and teaching their colleagues the dances, songs and crafts learned during the project, as a way of connecting the romanian and the ukrainian communities even further. As a result of organizing the Romanian and Ukrainian Gastronomy Classes, two restaurants in Seini have introduced ukrainian recipes in their menus and two restaurants in Kalush are now serving romanian dishes. In this way, both communities have the possibility to experience foreign cuisine and culture directly. This is proof that the skills and knowledge gained by the target group of participants, is transferable and also replicable within the enlarged communities. Moreover, the initiative should be replicated as often and by as many cities as possible, as it represents an original and beneficial experience for anyone.
In terms of inclusion, the project celebrated cultural and ethnic diversity and brought the ukrainian people a feeling of belonging to the European family. Inclusion of sensitive groups was ensured as the project partners took all necessary measures in order to engage children and adults with disabilities in the local social and cultural activities. Both Centers are accessible by persons with disabilities (ramps, elevator), and also the ukrainian partner purchased a minivan equipped with a lift for wheelchairs in order to transport chidren with disabilities to and from the activities organized in the Center. The organisations strives to include as many ethnical groups into the Center's activities, does not discriminate based on gender or any other criteria. In terms of affordability, Seini City considers that the current European financing mechanisms allow organisations to easily implement similar projects and initiatives. Cultural cooperation is not new, but this project created such an opportunity in times of pandemic and war, overcoming any difficulties and proving that joint efforts can lead to attaining common objectives and can bring positive feelings to the people even in difficult times. The activities were made accesible to the entire community: Folk Art Workshop rehearsals and the Festival were open to the public, Gastronomy Class results were translated into local restaurant menus so that the citizens enjoy the new experience, and all future intercultural events will be opwn to the wide public and tourists as well. Creating a positive experience for the individual is the main goal of any cultural and social initiative.
The target group of the project included 55 participants: 43 students and teachers who socialized, satisfied their need for extra-curricular activities and enhanced their intercultural knowledge during two Folk Art Workshops, as well as12 adults with gastronomic insight, who improved their skills participating in two Gastronomy Classes. Given that participants are replicating what they learned, that the cultural infrastructure of the two cities is improved and that promotion of the two cities’ touristic potential increased, the overall impact is the well-being of the following groups of final beneficiaries:
-communities of Seini and Kalush (cca 70.000 people), who benefit from the increased quality of socio-cultural services (new gastronomic experiences, more cultural entertainment opportunities, proper infrastructure to host the creative activity of local artists and manufacturers, inclusion of ethnical groups and people with disabilities, extra-curricular activities for students,cooperation opportunities for cultural institutions)
-potential tourists, who benefit from unique cultural experiences
-local businesses (hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, etc), which will have additional income thanks to an increase in tourists flow -potential investors,who might be attracted to further develop the local touristic facilities
- authorities, which benefit from the economic development and of Seini, Kalush and the surrounding area
The project participants were selected from the local community and the access of the civil society to project activities was ensured at all times. As a result of implementing the project, the students participating in the Folk Art Workshops, decided to form a cross-border artistic group called ROUA, to meet at least once a year, to exchange ideas, songs, dance choreographies and craft project ideas. Moreover, the local community in each city can now taste traditional recipes from the partner country, in some of the local restaurants.
The project idea was designed by the representatives of the two Partners , in order to jointly address similar problems and needs identified in both cities. Throughout the implementation of the project, the mayors of Seini and Kalush received the support of regional authorities in terms of project promotion. Although the project has benefitted county and regional institutions and organizations in the cultural field (by measn of collaborations withthe newly established Multicultural Centers), and although it led to an increase in the touristic attractiveness of the cross-border region delimited by the two cities, no institutions or organizations or administrations were directly involved in the active implementation or financing of the project. The value of the local community engagement is great and the engagement of the regional, national and European stakeholders is something the partnership strives for in the sustainability period.
In order to succesfully design and implement the project, Each Partner designated project teams consisting of a project manager, financial manager, communication manager, technical expert, acquisitions expert. This way, each area of expertise was covered in terms of implementation requirements. However, in order to realize professional activities envisaged in the project, a strong cooperation between the local public administration and the target group was crucial. The involvement of local teachers and trainers was fundamental in the organization of Folk Art Workshops. More specifically, the partners contracted the services of professionals in order to teach students traditional romanian and ukrainian dances and songs, as well as crafts (pottery, embroidery). Any other professional knowledge was procured / contracted according to national and programme procurement legislation (technical assistance, work site supervision, procurement consultancy, publicity services, translation, etc).
Project results:
1. improved quality of cultural infrastructure in Seini and Kalush - 2 functional Multicultural Centers in Seini and Kalush
2. Facilitated intercultural experiences for local communities - 4 restaurants - 2 in Seini and 2 in Kalush - included in their menus one foreign dish
3. Active civic participation in intercultural activities - 1 common artistic group established in the project
4.Increased offer of touristic products to promote Seini and Kalush - 5 new touristic products (maps,albums,flyers,website,mobile applications
5.Increased distribution of touristic materials - 75 touristic operators promote Seini and Kalush
6. increased touristic attractiveness of restored sites - 3700 visitors (700 in Seini and 3000 in Kalush) at the Multicultural Centers
Project outputs:
1. Number of common cultural events and activities organized - 5
2. Number of participants at common events and activities - 55
3. number of written promotional materials - 2500
4. number of promotional e-tools - 3
The project has led to the achievement of the following specific objectives:
1.establishing the basis of a cross-border network starting from two Multicultural Centers "in the mirror". The network can potentially be enlarged during the sustainability period through collaborations with similar cultural institutions at regional levels, as well as from other EU countries
2.restoring intercultural relations by means of a Cultural Exchange Program between Seini and Kalush municipalities. As a result of organizing Gastronomy Classes and Folk Art Workshops, as well as a Festival towards the end of the project, the local communities’ interest will be raised in continuing the exchange program established, thus resulting in long term intercultural dialogue and cooperation.
3.enhancing the touristic attractiveness of the cross-border area by introducing the newly-created opportunities for cultural entertainment in Seini and Kalush in the touristic circuit of the area
The innovative aspect of the project is the establishment of two Multicultural Centers “in the mirror”, proving that joint activities can be implemented by two different countries, to solve common problems and reach jointly-established objectives.
Another innovative aspect is the fact that the project partners strived to include both young citizens (mid-school students ) and adult citizens in the professional activities of the project, as a way of ensuring intercultural and inter-generation engagement at the same time.
Perhaps the most striking innovative aspect is the fact that, although it is a hard/infrastructure application (restoration of buildings), the beneficiaries made sure that there is also a sost/social benefit from the project, at local and regional level (by means of common activities and events). Moreover, a third objective was set, which is the development of the two partner cities from a touristic point of view, always having in mind that any action must be translated into a sustainable long term benefit, and the economic benefits derived from having an increased number of tourists in the region will ensure sustainability of the objectives attained.
In terms of methodology, Seini City took a Lead Beneficiary approach, not only because of the financing authority requirements, but also as a more experienced partner in the application for EU financing, compared to the ukrainian partner. By mirroring the activities carried out by Seini City, the ukrainian partner learned hands-on how to implement a EU-financed project. While each partner implemented its own set of activities, the Lead Beneficiary made sure that their efforts will meet and follow the same common general objective of the project, which is to deepen existing relations between Seini and Kalush communities and promote cross-border tourism and cooperation in a socially and economically sustainable way, based upon love for folklore and common concern over preservation of cultural heritage. This overall goal is inclusive and multi-scaled and , therefore, required constant communication between partners, monitoring tools and instruments, periodic work meetings online and offline among partners and project teams.
The Partners decided to take on the financing opportunity of the HUSKROUA Program. Tasks, responsibilities and budget were allocated in a balanced manner, according to the needs identified and the financial capacities of each Partner, thus ensuring a common approach and understanding to achieve the project objectives. Specifically, Seini City was responsible for the overall coordination, consolidated reporting, transfer of pre-financing payments to the Partner, and monitoring of project implementation. DCNR Kalush, was responsible for the local coordination of partner-level tasks, local reporting and monitoring. A Partnership Agreement was concluded between the partners,which laid down each party's responsibilities. While the Lead Applicant was responsible for the overall administration and distribution of funds according to the Partnership Agreement, each partner provided co-financing, thus illustrating joint financing and commitment.
Seini City feels that this project can easily be replicated in other cities, regions and countries. Intercultural knowledge is mandatory in the context of globalization. The fact that two or more partners can join their human and financial resources, in order to make the best out of their natural and historic resources and ensure a future inflow of economic resources, is the key to any succesful project, no matter the context, the geographic location or the beneficiaries.
The targeted area of the project includes Maramures county and Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, which faced the following common problems, over the last years:
-there is an outstandingly high number of improperly preserved cultural and historical buildings;
-due to Ukraine’s social-cultural background, few cross-border cultural events are organized and intercultural knowledge is poor;
-the area is visited by less foreign tourists than inland tourists, due to low permeability of the Ukrainian border. Although the number of tourists has increased in the last 10 years, the region is renowned for its beautiful nature, ignoring its potential as an extended cultural destination;
Identification of these problems has led the Partners to exploit the potential of a cross-border collaboration in order to obtain a greater impact and to lay down the foundation of an international cultural cooperation network. The project strived to achieve cultural and touristic objectives with cross-border effect. For the 2014-2020 period, the WTO predicted an increase in the number of tourists searching for unique destinations, and higher concern over historical and cultural heritage preservation. Given the geographic position and the material and immaterial cultural and historical patrimony of Seini and Kalush, the region presented high potential for international cultural tourism.
