Project objective: Protecting cultural heritage of the Polish-Czech borderland, with particular emphasis on ancient, often forgotten handicrafts, and promoting handicraft traditions in the region. As part of the project, a tourist route was designed along the north-south axis, connecting the cities of Bolesławiec and Vrchlabi. Several cities with rich history and handicraft traditions were included in the route. On the Polish side, these are: Lwówek Śląski (centre of brewing and gold and mineral mining), Wleń (centre of weaving, cloth-making and watchmaking), Jelenia Góra (centre of weaving) and Szklarska Poręba (centre of glass-making). In addition to designing the route, the partners carried out many other activities. In Bolesławiec, three exhibitions prepared jointly with the Czech partner were presented: “Traditional Christmas Cribs”, “Copperplate engravers from Vrchlabi” and “Old Bolesławiec pottery”. In addition, workshops of ancient handicrafts entitled “Craft Summer” were carried out; this was a cyclical event held every year in Vrchlabi (in July) and in Bolesławiec (in August), aimed at presenting the specificity of handicrafts typical of the region in the form of shows and workshops. The workshops were accompanied by lectures. A number of activities promoting the route were undertaken: bilingual brochures (guides) and folded maps of the route were published and a bilingual website promoting the route was built. Renovation works were also carried out in the Ceramics Department building and new permanent exhibitions were arranged.
Programme: Poland-Czech Republic Cross-Border Operational Programme 2007-2013
Project value (PLN): 400,000
Own contribution (PLN): 60,000
Implementation period: 2008-2010
Partners: Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec, Správa Krkonošského národního parku in Vrchlabi, Czech Republic