Two New Calls to Bring €51 Million for Monument Restoration

SME highlights a significant initiative aimed at preserving and revitalizing Slovakia's rich cultural heritage. The Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informatization, in collaboration with the historic city of Levoča, is introducing the 'Local Development Based on Culture' program. This program represents a substantial financial injection of €51 million, distributed through two distinct calls for proposals. The primary objective is to safeguard invaluable cultural monuments, including those designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, while simultaneously promoting bilateral cooperation with donor nations such as Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Minister Samuel Migaľ emphasized that the restoration of these sites is merely the first step, with their true value realized when they are infused with life, art, and intergenerational connections. This initiative, funded by the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism, underscores Slovakia's commitment to its cultural legacy. The allocation of €42 million for monument restoration and €9 million for bilateral artistic cooperation demonstrates a comprehensive approach to cultural development. This investment is particularly crucial during times of fiscal consolidation, when cultural heritage often faces funding challenges. The program's focus on not only preservation but also on breathing life into these sites aligns with a broader vision of cultural tourism, job creation, and strengthening Slovakia's position within the European cultural landscape.

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The restoration of monuments is just the beginning; they gain their true meaning when we fill them with life, art, and the connection of generations and local communities.