Capitalizing on Urban Culture by Promoting Cultural Heritage and Cultural Entrepreneurship

Narrative Synthesis 

Project SEE 691, titled "Capitalizing on Urban Culture by Promoting Cultural Heritage and Cultural Entrepreneurship," was an initiative led by Universitatea Politehnica Timișoara (UPT) aimed at leveraging multicultural urban heritage to foster local development through cultural entrepreneurship. The project was part of the broader efforts to strengthen cultural cooperation between Romania and Norway, with a particular focus on Timișoara's designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2023.

The initiative was structured around several key objectives, including the promotion of cultural heritage preservation, the encouragement of cultural entrepreneurship, and the facilitation of bilateral collaboration through exchanges, research, and public events. A significant aspect of the project involved bilateral visits and knowledge-sharing activities between Romanian and Norwegian partners to explore how cultural heritage can be integrated into urban regeneration strategies.

Implementation and Key Activities

Throughout the project, multiple bilateral meetings and collaborative events were held, strengthening institutional ties and fostering cross-cultural learning. A roundtable discussion took place in Bryne, Norway, in February 2023, where experts analyzed multicultural heritage in different European Capitals of Culture and discussed strategies for urban regeneration. This event brought together researchers, policymakers, and cultural professionals, who engaged in discussions on how historical urban environments can be preserved while supporting economic growth through entrepreneurship.

Additionally, a workshop on cultural entrepreneurship was organized in Bryne, highlighting the role of creative industries in revitalizing urban spaces. This session facilitated an exchange of best practices between Romanian and Norwegian experts, focusing on case studies that demonstrated how cultural assets can be transformed into economic and social opportunities.

Back in Romania, the project played a vital role in promoting Timișoara's cultural identity. A major exhibition, "Cultura de-a lungul apei" (Culture Along the Water), was held at the UPT Library in October 2023, featuring urban sketches, historical research, and architectural models showcasing the evolution of cultural heritage in cities like Timișoara, Bergen, and Stavanger. The exhibition engaged a wide audience, including students, researchers, and the general public, reinforcing the connection between historical identity and contemporary urban development.

A cultural tour was also organized in Timișoara to highlight the city's architectural and historical significance. This activity enabled international participants, including Norwegian partners, to explore firsthand the multicultural influences that have shaped the city's urban landscape.

Another significant achievement of the project was the publication of a bilingual academic volume titled "Modern Techniques for the Restoration and Promotion of Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Urban Development." This publication compiled research and insights from the project's activities, serving as a reference for policymakers, architects, and cultural managers interested in sustainable heritage conservation.

To further emphasize the link between culture and community engagement, the project team organized a piano recital by renowned pianist Andrei Ivanovich, which attracted over 200 participants. The recital paid tribute to Timișoara's rich musical heritage, strengthening cultural ties between past and present.

Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

One of the defining aspects of Project SEE 691 was its focus on long-term sustainability. The partnerships established during the project laid the foundation for continued collaboration between Romanian and Norwegian institutions. As part of the sustainability plan, UPT and its partners committed to developing training programs for cultural entrepreneurs, ensuring that knowledge gained through the project would continue to benefit local communities.

Additionally, the initiative paved the way for further academic and research collaborations, including the creation of an open-access course on urban culture and cultural heritage management. This course, available online, aims to educate future generations of cultural managers, urban planners, and entrepreneurs on best practices in heritage conservation and economic revitalization through culture.

Conclusion

Project SEE 691 successfully bridged cultural heritage preservation with economic and social innovation, demonstrating the role of cultural entrepreneurship in fostering sustainable urban development. Through exhibitions, academic research, and cultural events, the initiative contributed to strengthening bilateral cooperation, enhancing public awareness, and equipping local actors with the tools to integrate cultural heritage into economic strategies.

By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders—from researchers and policymakers to artists and students—the project left a lasting impact on the way urban cultural heritage is valued, studied, and promoted, ensuring that cities like Timișoara continue to thrive as dynamic cultural hubs in the years to come.

For more information please send an email at: rares.halbac-cotoara-zamfir@upt.ro