The Interreg IPA project “3C - Cross-border exchange for the development of Cultural and Creative industries”, based on restoration of Old prison building in Kotor and development of new cross border model of management in the field of creative industries, was presented on 28 and 29 August 2019 in Podgorica (Montenegro).
During the launch the attendees were addressed by Minister of Culture of Montenegro Aleksandar Bogdanović and Deputy Chief Negotiator and National IPA Coordinator Ivana Glišević Đurović.
Minister Bogdanovic stated that the restoration of Old Prison Building in Kotor, with the investment of almost 1,3 million euros, will contribute to the development of creative hub designated to both local population and residential artists. He pointed out that project 3C represents a positive example of cross border cooperation between Montenegro, Albania and Italy, emphasizing that restoration projects and acquirement of equipment will be realized in Italy and Albania as well.
Ivana Glišević Đurović recalled that the 3C project was supported through the thematic call of Interreg IPA CBC Programme Italy- Albania - Montenegro, emphasizing that the thematic projects, taking into account their scope and concrete results, represent the greatest innovation of this trilateral program. She underlined that projects which Montenegrin institutions implement with the role of lead partner - as in the case of the 3C project - represent a special responsibility, but also provide additional opportunities for sharing valuable knowledge and experience with European partners.
After the launch, project partners held two days long kick off meeting where they presented project activities, defined future models of cooperation and adopted an action plan whose implementation is foreseen by the end of the year. During the meeting they concluded that work package related to investment, which will contribute to the restoration of the Old Prison Building in Kotor, Cinema Studios in Tirana and Gamzi Square in Pula, represents a special benefit for the further realization of the project.
3C project is supported under Interreg IPA CBC Programme Italy- Albania - Montenegro and it aims to enhance the cooperation of relevant actors in the programming area, through the establishment of innovative cultural and creative canters with residential arts programs and the creation of joint cross-border cooperation networks. The project will contribute to the integration of the cultural sector in the project territories through the exchange of information, knowledge, experience and creative potential. The results of the project are related to the establishment of residential arts programs, the opening of three multifunctional cultural centres in Montenegro, Italy and Albania and the establishment of a regional network of cultural entrepreneurs, with the aim of developing creative industries. In addition to the Ministry of Culture of Montenegro, which is the lead partner in project implementation, project partners are the Ministry of Economy of Montenegro, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania, Institute of Cultural Monuments “Gani Strazimiri”, Albania, Puglia Region – Department of Tourism, Economy of Culture and Valorisation of Territory, Italy, Molise Region, Italy and the Molise Culture Foundation. Associated partners are the Albanian National Centre of Cinematography and the Gramsci Foundation of Puglia, Italy.
