Cross-border project for development of folk crafts completed in Cahul

Chisinau, 19 October /MOLDPRES/- Final conference of the project Revival of authentic folk crafts - common cultural heritage as a focal point for sustainable economic and tourist development was held in Cahul. It was implemented by the Regional Development Agency (ADR) South as a leading beneficiary and the Association ART - Crafts of the Prut, Iasi, Romania, as a partner in the Joint Operational Program Romania-Moldova, 2014-2020, through the European Neighborhood Instrument (ENI).

The event was attended by representatives of local and regional institutions, agencies and non-governmental organizations interested in promoting authentic folk crafts and tourism development in the Southern Development Region, as well as folk craftsmen from the target group, team and project collaborators from both partners. Balances were made, conclusions were drawn, and further directions for the promotion of authentic folk crafts were established.

According to Viorica Cuțitaru, project manager from the South Regional Development Agency, the program, which lasted 16 months, was important because it trained folk craftsmen from both sides of the Prut. "The state of traditional crafts in the Southern Development Region of Moldova and the counties of Vaslui and Galati in Romania will improve, after being identified in the mapping activity of folk craftsmen in the project area," said Viorica Cuţitaru.

Silvia Cozmîncă, project manager of the Association Art-Crafts of the Prut informed the participants about the project activities on the development of entrepreneurial skills of folk craftsmen and the transmission of traditional crafts to the young generation, such as training workshops for folk craftsmen and Summer camp Initiation of young people in traditional crafts.

During the conference, a permanent exhibition of the works presented by the folk craftsmen from the target group of the project was inaugurated. The folk craftsmen presented the works exhibited for viewing, as well as for receiving orders for making from visitors. Also here, visitors can find the contact details of the folk craftsmen from the target group of the project and the description of the crafts practiced, exhibited in the Project Brochure.

A cooperation agreement was signed between ADR Sud and Nicolae Botgros Palace of Culture in Cahul on management of the permanent exhibition of the works of folk craftsmen from the CRAFTs4ED cross-border network of the project.

Photo: ADR South