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Creative industries, culture, tourism eDruva

Master class. In the closing event of the project “Contribution of the cultural and creative industries to European cultural and creative tourism” in Cēsis, partners from different countries also participated in master classes. Jānis Ronis (from left), the owner of the Piebalga Porcelain Factory, introduces the guests to the secrets of porcelain painting. Photo: Jānis Gabrāns

The four-year project “Contribution of the Cultural and Creative Industries to European Cultural and Creative Tourism” was completed in Cēsis with the participation of partners.

The leading partner of this international project, co-financed by the Interreg Europe program, is the Vidzeme Tourism Association, which involved partners from Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Cyprus, Great Britain, Poland, Greece and Belgium.

Almost everyone came to Cēsis for the closing event, only the representatives from the Scottish city of Dundee were left. The guests spent three days in Cēsis, the main event was the closing conference, where the partners shared their experiences and told about the achievements of the project.

Raitis Sijāts, Chairman of the Board of Vidzeme Tourism Association, told Druvai that each partner had its own tasks. Vidzeme residents developed an action plan and strategy on the impact of cultural and creative industries on tourism. The association “Creative Hives” has been established, in which about a hundred craftsmen and home producers from all over Vidzeme are already involved.
During the four years of the project, training and experience were planned, but the pandemic made its adjustments.

“The master classes took place remotely, and some of the partners found creative solutions,” said Syots, who said that the partners had sent raw materials from Scotland to teach them how to bake cakes remotely. The association also used this experience when organizing online master classes for Vidzeme home producers and craftsmen. There were candle casting master classes and even wine tastings.
One of the reasons for such a project was the conclusion that throughout Europe, including Latvia, the tourism industry did not cooperate much with craftsmen and home producers. There was a tendency for tourism to go its own way, home producers, representatives of the creative industry – their own, so the goal was set – to try to bring them together.

“It was important that there was communication and cooperation, and we see that it also encourages artisans to cooperate with each other. People are increasingly realizing that the best way to cooperate is to go together, ”says R. Sijāts.

He cites the city of Dundee (UK) as a very good example, where everyone – the municipality, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, the creative industries – works towards one goal: to be a creative city. It has achieved a great deal of recognition.

“The project has shown that we are each on our own journey,” says Siyat. “Some are just beginning, they can learn from those who have come a long way. Those who have been furthest away are unlikely to learn from others, they can move on, but they are happy to share their experiences, and I think we are all winners. ”

The aim of the project is to promote both social inclusion and the development of creativity, as well as the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, also by developing the tourism business. The Minister of Welfare Gatis Eglītis also visited Cēsis and praised the association “Creative Hives”, which also has a place for seniors and people with special needs.

The project includes not only crafts, design, but also gastronomy. The association “Vidzeme Creative Hives” has applied for participation in the Zaube Wildlife Festival, and according to R. Sijāts, the goal is to participate in as many different festivals and events as possible, thus telling about itself, presenting its offer, promoting creativity: “This is an opportunity to cooperate , to study, to develop, therefore we will promote activities in Cēsis region, because there is no shortage of creative craftsmen and entrepreneurs willing to work. ”

Kristaps Ročāns, from the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg Europe Program, was also present at the closing event and praised the work done. The program secretariat has been evaluating the progress of the project since its inception.

“It was good for everyone to finally meet in person, listen to the partners’ progress in implementing the action plans, hear what results have been achieved. There are really interesting experiences, we can mention the “Creative Blunds” created by the Vidzeme Tourism Association, which is an adopted practice, successfully combined with other partner regions, involving many local craftsmen. This is a clear practical result and the added value of the project. ”

He emphasized that there was growing talk in Europe about connecting tourism and the creative industries, and that this project was one step towards achieving that goal. It is an opportunity to promote the region and its development.
“It is a pleasure that the leading partner of the project is from Latvia, because although Latvia is represented in various projects, there are not many leading partners. Maybe this will be a good example for others as well, ”encouraged K. Ročāns.
On the closing day, the project partners participated in master classes, visited the Āraiši Lake Castle Archaeological Park, visited Līgatne, where they learned about the city’s offer, cultural and historical heritage, and Vienkoči Park.

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