Today, at the premises of Europe House, we presented the 15 winning ideas of the grants under the project “Heritage is Our Brand”, implemented by DMO ALBANIA and EU Policy Hub and funded by the European Union. Present at the ceremony were the winning artists themselves, Ms. Nadezda Dramicanin – Communication Manager and Coordinator at the EU Delegation to Albania, representatives of the implementing organizations, and friends of Europe House.
After the project presentation by the Director of DMO Albania, Ms. Eva Kushova, Ms. Dramicanin took the floor and emphasized that through supporting this project, “the EU ensures that traditions, stories, rituals, and collective memory are not only preserved but also reinterpreted in a modern and meaningful way, and what makes this project special is that it focuses on storytelling through art. Culture is not a luxury, but the foundation of identity, creativity, social cohesion, and sustainable development,” Ms. Dramicanin added.
Then, each artist presented their winning idea, which will be implemented until June this year. From short films such as Queen Teuta and The Books of Light, a documentary on Flia in Kukës, an installation on the xhubleta in Malësia e Madhe, a mosaic on Baliska wine in Durrës, an installation on the Fyejt of Gramsh, or a mobile stained-glass vitrail installation in Elbasan, a bas-relief in Krujë, video projections such as Gjama e Burrave and Gjin Aleksi Mosque, theatrical performances Konstandini i Madh, a fashion show with costumes inspired by legendary characters, a graphic novel for children based on 10 legends, musical performances with traditional games for children, and an ethno-jazz concert — these are unique artistic products inspired by the stories of the “Heritage is Our Brand” project.
Today we presented all the artists who will create these artistic works in Albania. In a few months, we will have artworks that tell stories and will become a shared heritage for everyone—accessible, visitable, and accompanied by free public events and concerts. Most activities will take place during April–May, and we will be very happy to share them with all our followers.
The artistic products are the most tangible and significant results of the “Heritage is Our Brand” project, following the publication of 40 unique stories and the launch of a unique educational and information platform at www.albaniaheritage.com . In the second year, the project will focus on children and schools to transmit these stories, legends, and artistic products to younger generations, so they can learn about our rich heritage and feel proud to pass it on to future generations. In this way, our intangible cultural heritage will continue to be preserved and sustained. www.albaniaheritage.com. In the second year, the project will focus on children and schools to transmit these stories, legends, and artistic products to younger generations, so they can learn about our rich heritage and feel proud to pass it on to future generations. In this way, our intangible cultural heritage will continue to be preserved and sustained.
Winners of the Small Grants:
- Fatmir Juka Xhubleta e Dalun N’dritë, Installation -sculpture in a public space at Malësia e Madhe
- Suela Bako “I am Teuta, the queen of the Sea”. A short movie (Durres, Lezhe, Shkoder)
- Ergys Krisiko Speaking sounds, Interactive installation (Tirana, former Kinistudio)
- Endri Muçaj Musical show – Happy games for kids – Public show
- Andamion Murataj Books of light- Purple Codex Beratinus- Short movie
- Kreshnik Belba The woman who chooses- Four legends in glass- Moving Installation in Elbasan, Lezhe, Fier, Tirane
- Xhesika Berisha The voices of Albanian myths- 10 stories in a graphic novel for kids 10-16 years old (incl didactic material for teachers )
- Qendra “DURRËSI AKTIV” Balisca- the Illyrian wine – The memory that awakens the earth- Mosaic produced by children -Durres
- Agjencia Rajonale e Zhvillimit Berat Under this Sign- The story of Constantine the Great – Theatral Show in Berat
- Mauro Zaçe Gjëmon- animated documentary film using Artificial Intelligence, produced by 4 young artists
- Shoqata “Ekologët për Rajonin Kukës” lija: Food tradition on screen- A documentary and festive event in Kukes village, including the community
- Besiana Shehi The Call of the Stone, Bas-relief Sculpture in Mount of Kruja. Based on the story of 90 women who sacrificed their lives to escape the Ottomans
- Anila Zajmi Expo-Parade show with young people producing the dresses based on 4 mythological stories.
- Andi Kongo Suite Jazz, a concert based on 3 stories from the Albanian heritage platform.
- Qendra “The Good Psychology” Religious Tolerance, The Gjin Alex Mosque- Video art – Delvinë