The project “Promoting a new model of cultural institutions in the Republic of Macedonia” aims to explore new models of cultural organisation at local level that prioritizes de-institutionalisation of culture, civic consciousness, community based programming, participatory decision-making and public-private partnership between cultural stakeholders on local level.
The researches of the cultural life in the municipalities in Macedonia (conducted by PAC Multimedia) set in front the conclusion that fundamental changes within the cultural sector must be made. Local communities have greater need of cultural institutions that respond to their diverse needs (not political and mono-cultural), there is need for greater exploration and innovations in culture and there is need for greater cohesion among independent and institutional culture.
The proposed project responds to these needs of citizens in 3 municipalities in Macedonia: Tetovo, Gostivar and Kichevo.
The project encompasses:
– One Training session (3 days workshop) on the issues of: Strengthening of the independent cultural scene; Promoting public-private partnership in culture; and promoting new models of cultural landscape on local level;
– Three Forum sessions (one in each municipality) – bringing citizens, institutions and local government closer, debating issues related to openness of cultural institutions and citizen`s participation. Forum sessions relates to the need of citizens concerns to be debated and actions to be approved with the direct participation of the citizens.
– One study visit in Amsterdam, visiting The Tolhuistuin Community Arts Center in Amsterdam where two representatives per municipality will take part;
– Strategic Plan development sessions for the new cultural institutions;
– Report analysis of the status of the independent cultural scene on local level in Macedonia;
– Three Media promotions (one in each municipality) so to stimulate the public dialog on culture on local level.
The project is financed by the Embassy of The Kingdom of The Netherlands in Skopje.