Recraft the past, build up the future 3 projects

1. The “Heritage Marionettes: Reviving Tradition for a Sustainable Future and Empowering Youth through Cultural Heritage Education” project aims to preserve and revitalize Albania’s rich cultural heritage, specifically traditional puppetry, as a tool to strengthen cultural identity and promote sustainable socio-economic development. It addresses the lack of awareness among younger generations about the artistic and historical significance of Albanian puppetry while promoting inclusivity, environmentally friendly practices and gender sensitive models. The project includes three training sessions and three workshops in primary schools, focusing on Albania’s cultural heritage, traditional crafts, folklore, and historical events, along with a storytelling session to engage families and the broader community. It also features the revitalization of an old children’s story into a modern puppet theater performance, culminating in a study visit to the National Puppet Theater and a premiere of the updated production. This initiative will benefit primary school pupils aged 6-12, teachers from targeted schools in Tirana, parents, local young artists, and community members participating in public events. Implemented by Digital Future, the project received a grant amount of $45,101 USD (approximately 41,865.84 EUR) and will span 10 months. 

2. The “Annex LABs” project aims to increase public and institutional awareness of the role of cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable socio-economic development. The project aims to promote accessible and inclusive models of cultural products and services. Through a series of workshops, cultural tourism guides and freelance designers will be trained on creating inclusive, accessible visitors’ experiences at EU4Culture programme heritage sites. The project will deliver three two-day workshops focusing on developing accessible narrative for cultural tourism, product design prototypes and audio description for visually impaired individuals. In addition an accessible bilingual booklet with descriptions and an audio version will be created for EU4Culture heritage sites in Tirana, while audio descriptions will be produced for two theatrical performances at the National Puppet Theatre for visually impaired children. With funding from the EU4Culture grants programme amounting to 40,990 USD (approximately 38,049.73 EUR), this 11-month project implemented by the United Nations Association Albania will contribute to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive society while also providing new job opportunities to local communities.

3. The project “EPIC – Empowering Youth & Local Producers through Cultural Tourism” aims to boost cultural tourism in the municipalities of Kavaja and Rrogozhina. By focusing on the EU4Culture programme sites, impacted by the 2019 earthquake, such as the Castle of Bashtova and the Ethnographic Museum of Kavaja, it seeks to create innovative and environmentally friendly tourism products, i.e. local food products, cultural tourism trails, etc. As part of the project a series of workshops and business -to – business meetings will engage local producers, businesses, and youth, enhancing their skills and creating new opportunities in the tourism sector. With the support of the EU4Culture grant of 42,730 USD (approximately 39,662.25 EUR), this 11-month project, implemented by Auleda – Local Economic Development Agency, will directly target young people, women, local businesses, and graphic design students, contributing to the region’s sustainable cultural tourism development.

4. The “Triad of Arbanon’s Heritage: Churches, Bridges, and Natural Wonders of Albania“ project aims to raise awareness of Albania’s cultural and natural heritage, focusing on some of the overlooked EU4Culture sites such as the Monastery Church in Rubik, the Kurçaj Bridge in Kruja and St. Anthony’s Church in the Cape of Rodon. By promoting sustainable tourism, the project will combine cultural and natural values, enhance the visitor experience with interactive maps & multimedia, as well as provide educational tools for students and tourism professionals. The main outputs of the project include a comprehensive compendium integrating cultural and natural heritage for three EU4Culture sites, educational expeditions, camping event for students, marked hiking trails at the heritage sites, an interactive discovery toolkit with multimedia & GIS mapping, and promotional activities for tour guides and communities.The initiative will overall contribute to preserving Albania’s rich heritage. Implemented by Qendra Burimore e Mjedisit në Shqipëri, the 11-month project is supported by an EU4Culture grant of USD 40,499 (approximately 37,593.95 EUR).

5. The project “COOL Crafting – Creating optimal Opportunities and Links between traditional crafts and tourism in Mirdita” aims to revive traditional craft production in Mirdita and enhance its role in the local tourism industry. By supporting local artisans and providing apprenticeship opportunities for unemployed youth and women, the initiative seeks to foster economic growth and preserve cultural heritage. Activities include developing a needs assessment for crafts producers, creating a business support program, producing storytelling videos to showcase Mirdita’s traditional craft producers, and facilitating participation in national and local craft fairs. It will strengthen the connection between traditional crafts and tourism, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region. Implemented by Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe e. V. Albania Country Office, the 10-month project is supported by an EU4Culture grant of 49,845 USD (approximately 46,266.44 EUR).

6. The project “Timeless Tastes: Indulge into the flavours and ballads of Kurbin” aims to promote sustainable tourism in Kurbin by highlighting the region’s rich culinary, cultural, and natural heritage. The initiative will focus on preserving traditional recipes, fostering skills development in women and youth, and creating new economic opportunities in the local tourism and culinary sectors. Key activities include cooking workshops with local grandmothers and mothers, culinary training on modern cooking techniques, creating a recipe book that reflects the region’s heritage, and developing digital itineraries to showcase the area’s natural and cultural attractions. A spring food festival will also be organized, celebrating Kurbin’s traditions through food, music, and dance. Implemented by the Albanian Local Capacity Development Foundation (ALCDF), the 11-month project is supported by an EU4Culture grant of 49,855 USD (approximately 46,269.23 EUR).

7. The “SHPIRTËRIM – Spiritual and Historical Preservation through Interactive Revival and Tactile Experience Reimagining Important Memories” project aims to revitalize the former prison and forced labour camp of Spaç, a historically significant site in Mirdita, by transforming it into a center for education and remembrance. The initiative will focus on preserving the former prison’s history through creative and educational activities featuring a series of creative products, such as: 41 face masks of former prisoners, an animation movie, podcasts, a visual art exhibition and open public talks that engage the community in discussion about the prisons’ history. Additionally, it will foster the participation of diverse community groups, especially young women, in cultural workshops, enhancing their social inclusion and development of skills. The project will also support local artisans and craftspeople through workshops and collaborations with tourism businesses. Implemented by Tek Bunkeri, the 11-month project is supported by an EU4Culture grant of 49,865 USD (approximately 46,297.87 EUR).

8. The project “Historical Memory inspires tourism’’ aims to enhance the promotion of cultural heritage in Kruja by increasing visitor numbers and revenue for the National and Ethnographic Museums, ensuring their maintenance and sustainability. The initiative focuses on creating authentic promotional products inspired by ethnographic artifacts, fostering skills development among artisans and youth, and organizing cultural events to attract tourists and engage the local community. Key activities include: designing traditional and contemporary crafts, practical demonstrations at the Ethnographic Museum, interactive workshops for young people and establishing a promotional corner at the museum. The project will also organize a Tourism Day near Kruja’s museums, showcasing crafts, music and dance. Implement by Qendra për Promovimin e Konkurrueshmërisë, the 10-month project is supported by an EU4Culture grant of 45,048 USD (approximately 41,822.56 EUR) and aims to benefit local artisans, youth and the broader Kruja community, along with businesses in the area and travel agencies promoting cultural tourism. 

9. The “Epidamn Heritage: Bridging the Past and Present” project aims to raise awareness of Durres’ heritage and promote its cultural tourism, focusing on historical sites like the Venetian Tower and Hammam. Through training sessions, the installation of informational panels along the Old Doors Trail, and the organization of cultural events, this initiative will engage local communities and tourists alike. Additionally, educational materials and community events will help foster a deeper appreciation for Durres’ cultural richness. Implemented by Qendra “DURRESI AKTIV”, the project will run for 11 months and is supported by a EU4Culture grant of 37,663 USD (approximately 34,961.38 EUR). The project will primarily benefit local residents of Durres, tourists, students, cultural practitioners, and tourism businesses in the area.