The first-ever direct funding for European Heritage Label sites aims to give them new impetus to reach out to young people, embrace digital innovation and promote sustainability and climate action.
The EHL Bureau has announced the ten projects that will receive substantial financial support from the programme to strengthen the EHL network. Accordin to the Bureau the selected projects represent a unique opportunity to promote cooperation, outreach and sustainable practices among Europe's most important heritage sites. The total budget of the programme is €300,000 and each of the projects involves collaboration between several EHL sites and aims to promote European cultural heritage through key areas such as youth engagement, digital innovation, climate action and the promotion of European citizenship.
The projects also address key objectives such as increasing the visibility of EHL sites, promoting greater networking between them and enhancing their capacity to present their stories in a wider European context. As Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Equality, Youth, Culture and Sport, said in a statement, “These projects are vital in advancing the goals of Creative Europe, which supports cultural exchange, networking, and the promotion of European values across the continent”.
The selected projects will focus on four key priorities
- Youth engagement: Encouraging young people to engage with European culture and heritage.
- Digital innovation: Harnessing the power of digital tools to increase accessibility and audience engagement.
- Climate Action and Sustainability: Supporting green initiatives and aligning EHL sites with the European green agenda.
- European Citizenship: Fostering a stronger sense of European identity through cultural understanding and exchange.
According to Vincent Curie, Director of the European Heritage Label Bureau, "The selected projects represent a significant step forward in creating deeper connections between European citizens and their shared heritage".
The European Heritage Label is awarded to sites of symbolic importance in European history and culture. To date, 67 sites - ranging from natural and archaeological sites to places of remembrance and intangible heritage - have been awarded the label.
The EHL Bureau is a project co-funded by the European Commission to support and coordinate the EHL sites.
1. Libraries as places of European history: Waldsassen – Library of the Cistercian monks, Kynžvart Chateau – Library of Chancellor Metternich. The project connects two historically significant libraries through a Czech-German educational program for youth, emphasizing shared European roots and introducing bilingual programs tailored to children. Implemented by: Cisterscapes – Cistercian Landscapes Connecting Europe & Kynžvart Castle – Place of diplomatic meetings.
2. Young Voices, Ancient Wisdom – creation and implementation of youth-led interactive storytelling guide in an archaeological site. A youth-led initiative to develop an interactive storytelling guide, promoting diversity and European integration through immersive historical engagement. Implemented by: Thracian Art in Eastern Rhodopes: Aleksandrovo Tomb & Vučedol Culture Museum and Archaeological Site.
3. IVEPC – Integrar los valores europeos en el patrimonio cultural. This project amplifies European values in cultural heritage through audiovisual materials, intercultural concerts, and networking among site managers, fostering a stronger collaborative network. Implemented by: Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste & Almadén Mining Park.
4. Restoration of Jewish Liturgical Heritage. The project revives the musical heritage of Budapest’s Dohány Street Synagogue by digitizing and publishing its historical score collection, including the “Kármán Legacy” by György Kármán. Led by the Hungarian Jewish Museum, it features multimedia presentations, a digital music repository, and performances of rediscovered works, involving Liszt Academy students. Implemented by: Dohány Street Synagogue Complex & Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music.
5. Exploring Europe through the EHL Sites: the European Heritage Label Sites itinerant exposition and thematic workshops. A traveling exhibition and thematic workshops highlight the historical significance of EHL Sites across Europe, fostering engagement and awareness. Implemented by: Sant’Anna di Stazzema & Ventotene.
6. A fantastic trip to Europe. A comic book aimed at children narrates the stories of EHL Sites, fostering a sense of European identity and history through accessible storytelling. Implemented by: Sant’Anna di Stazzema & Museo Casa Alcide De Gasperi.
7. Connecting Danube: Sharing European Heritage and Stories on the Wings of a Dove. The project boosts the visibility of these heritage Sites through events featuring historians, authors, and artists discussing the Danube River’s cultural and historical significance. Aimed at young audiences, it offers workshops and activities to foster creativity, critical thinking, and skill development in informal settings. The initiative also incorporates digital tools like virtual and augmented reality to create engaging, accessible learning experiences. Implemented by: Palace of the European Commission of the Danube & Vučedol Culture Museum.
8. Re:Union – promotion of Lublin and Kaunas as European Heritage Label cities. Joint cultural and promotional activities strengthen the European community and highlight shared cultural heritage, with a focus on youth and tourism. This will include artist concerts, promotional materials, maps, and brochures. Implemented by: Union of Lublin & Kaunas of 1919-1940.
9. ‘Living legacies’: vital coalitions of communities caring for European legacies. This project focuses on bringing communities together by highlighting the European motto “Unity in Diversity.” It aims to create a sense of pride and belonging by uniting different groups around shared stories and values. The initiative works with local influencers and organizations to share ideas and strategies for building inclusive communities that celebrate and preserve the heritage of European Heritage Label (EHL) Sites. Implemented by: Colonies of Benevolence & The Oderbruch.
10. Closer Than It Seems – An Artistic Dialogue Between Spain and Hungary. This project explores the artistic synergy between Hungary’s “Golden Age” and Spain’s “Silver Age,” highlighting their contributions to European cultural heritage. It features two special concerts where young Hungarian and Spanish musicians immerse themselves in each other’s artistic traditions, performing and interpreting works authentically. Implemented by: Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music & Residencia de Estudiantes.
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Photo credit: The Mighty Quill
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