New cultural models in the peripheral areas – Network of Ethno-Cultural and Heritage Organisations (КА 476)
Funded by Karelia ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

The objective was to create a network of ethnocultural centers and Finnish cultural organizations to represent Karelia’s autochthonous people, promoting the survival of cultural diversity in Karelia and the growth of cultural exchange between Karelia and Finland, developing more opportunities for cultural tourism across the border.

Main activities

• Developing the operating conditions of the ethno-cultural centers. • Developing the capacity for cultural exchange. • Training activities. • Creation a network cooperation. • The inter-generational transfer of language and cultural specifics. • The acquisition of modern technical communications, presentations and exhibition equipment.

Achievements

The project has supported the cultural diversity of Karelia through the action and paying attention to the Karelian indigenous people. The project succeeded to protect the preconditions for the survival of the indigenous cultures through international cooperation, to protect languages, dialects and cultural traditions, and to encompass children and youth within the orbit of traditional or folk culture. The cross-border training created the necessary conditions for running ethno-cultural centers so that they can serve local residents, domestic and overseas tourists and communicate effectively with each other, both internally and across the border.