Creating of preconditions for revival of traditional crafts in the cross-border region

Concerning the identify weakness and needs of target groups, there is a strong demand for creation of Strategy for revival of traditional crafts that will tackle expansion of the market for craft producers, promotion of marketing and modern trade channels, strengthening the competitiveness and self-perseveration in the modern market as well as rationalization of the administration procedures in both countries. The project will provide direct support to old crafts so to adapt the courtyard in the facility “House of traditional crafts” owned by City Municipality of Pantelej, and by that create preconditions for future development of old craft in the target cross-border region. The renovated facility will host for the first time cross border fair of traditional crafts and used the same facility for the upcoming years. Added value of the present project proposal is seen in the promotion of traditional crafts among younger generation of the cross-broder population – to take up a traditional craft as a business, especially in villages near the main transport corridors connecting the two countries. With creation of Strategy for revival of crafts, adaptation of “House of traditional craft” facility promotion and exchange of good practice from both countries the project will have a long-lasting impact from its final results.

The project envisioned and achieved the following results: - Created six partnerships through signature of cooperation memorandums between craftsmen, craftsmen associations, schools, chambers and NGOs; - Developed project web site: www.korenyakproject.eu - Developed “Cross border Catalogue of traditional craftsmen”. Total of 1000 copies of the catalogue have been produced and distributed; - Developed Cross border Strategy and Action plan for revival of traditional crafts; - Organized 2 round-table talks on traditional crafts. The participants discussed directions for revival of traditional crafts, and provided great inputs for Assessment of present conditions and Strategy & Action plan; - Developed Assessment of present conditions for revival of traditional crafts in cross border region. Two year action plan with detailed measures, roles and financing sources is also developed; - Adaptation by providing supplies ( greenery, stands, benches , tiles etc.) , of the courtyard in the facility “House of traditional crafts” owned by City Municipality of Pantelej; - Cross -border Fair was organized on 7th and 8th April 2014 in the Courtyard of House of Old Crafts in Pantelej both inside and outside in the adapted courtyard. There were more than 200 visitors, more than 40 exhibitors, craftsmen and all planned stakeholders. The project was successfully completed in April 2014.