Roadmap to Rural Highlights of the Baltic Sea Region

Table of Contents

Preface by project manager Bjoern Frode Moen ...... 2

Introducing TiF and the Roadmap by communication manager Alf . S . Johansen . . 3

TiF map ...... 4

Highlights in Notodden, Norway ...... 6

Highlights in Telemark, Norway ...... 10

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway ...... 14

Highlights in Trebbin, Germany ...... 23

Highlights in Tranemo, Sweden ...... 26

Highlights in Suwalki, Poland ...... 30

Highlights in Joniskis, Lithuania ...... 34

Highlights in Jelgava, Latvia ...... 38

Highlights in Vidzeme, Latvia ...... 42

Highlights of the Trans in Form Project ...... 46

Roadmap to Rural Highlights of the Baltic Sea Region

ROADMAP TO RURAL HIGHLIGHTS

What could rural highlights be apart from what we see in the glossy brochures we can find in the tourist office? A project dealing with attractiveness for people and businesses had to think different about these issues . First of all, due to the fact that the most important aspect of attractiveness of places is that you establish spaces where people can meet people .

We have ended up trying to give examples where we show people in activity, even persons with a name, as also this aspect has something to do with attractiveness . Furthermore: how to use urban design as iconic elements to build rooms and spaces where people encounter and experience triangulation . They are objects acting as mediators of the most important human activity: to meet other people .

From a more theoretical point of view, this is what we have learned from the concept of ambient branding . Our discussions concluded that if you want to promote your rural highlights you should show everyone what really matters: To make a place attractive you have to look for places that communicate joint social needs, cultural heritage and joint human values . We still think that people can agree and enjoy these things and think of it beyond ethics and values in a traditional way .

Bjørn Frode Moen Project manager

Roadmap to Rural Highlights of the Baltic Sea Region

The booklet “Roadmap to Rural highlights” shows some examples of attractive meeting places, outstanding individuals or unique events which can attract attention to a region . The Trans in Form project´s aim is to contribute to the creation of attractive and competitive places outside the metropolitan areas . New narratives have been developed and new stories have been told, focusing on how the places involved in the project can become more attractive and in what ways they in fact already are attractive .

The project has focused on how cities, towns and communities within the Baltic Sea Region can be transformed, how neighborhoods can be shaped up and town centers turned into vibrant places . The project has studied and pointed out how the current demographic changes are rapidly transforming Northern Europe and how cultures are changing and are becoming more integrated multicultural European societies . The regions which are most open and tolerant for visual and structural transformation, cultural change and innovation seem to be the winning ones . The losers seem to be the places that are stuck in old patterns, focusing more on the past than on the future, reluctant to develop vibrant town centers . They are the ones who don´t see the value of attractive meeting places and who are against new cultural trends .

All in all, the Trans in Form project has been an attempt to create not only a roadmap to rural highlights, but also a roadmap to the development of the European periphery . Within this large perspective it is utterly important to see the small scale perspective . Transformation of Europe is all about the transformation of the concrete places . The new Maria Konopnicka Square in Suwalki, the new waterfront approach in Tranemo, the transformed manor park in Eleja or the new cosy Kitten Square in Notodden are some examples of what transformation of places is all about . These places will be the spaces where local people live their lives, where friends meet, where business ideas are created and where cultural impulses are exchanged . The Trans in Form project has presented new ideas and shared examples from hundreds of such places . It has showed how quality of places, the quality of events and the quality of individual’s contribution are making a difference .

Alf . S . Johansen Communication manager

Highlights in Notodden, Norway Notodden & Music: From Black Metal to Blues

While Notodden is home to about 12 .000 people it is also the rehearsal place for about 30 local bands . The town is probably most famous for the Notodden Blues Festival, observing the 25th anniversary in 2012 . However, there is more to it! Notodden is one of the most celebrated Black Metal towns in the world . People such as Vegard „Ihsahn“ Sverre Tveitan, the former leader of the world famous Black Metal band Emperor, started their career in Notodden . The town seems to be a talent pool for musicians . No wonder, because music is everywhere in Notodden . Whether you visit the Youth Club that regularly hosts concerts and offers various possibilities for young talents to practice, you rummage in a record store or you stroll through the Blues Museum that is located in the public library . Here, visitors will be astonished by the collection of vinyls, historical documents, guitars, and basically everything that is connected with the music genre that originated in the “Deep South” of the United States .

Highlights in Notodden, Norway Notodden & Music: From Black Metal to Blues

No question, the highlight of Notodden’s cultural calendar is the Blues Festival that attracts musicians from all over the world . It was back in 1988 when 13 Blues enthusiasts mounted the festival that today, is the largest “Pure-Blues-Festival” in Scandinavia . 25 .000 sold tickets is an impressive number and so are the line-ups: Here, the famous BB King entered the stage as well as Robert Cray, Roy Rogers, Buddy Guy, Solomon Burke, The Blues Brothers Band and many more . A local carpenter from Notodden has made thrones for two blues legends: The one used by Solomon Burke in the 2005 festival is now exhibited in the Notodden Blues Museum . The other one was brought to the B .B . King Museum in Indianola (USA) and given to Mr . King personally by Notodden’s former mayor, Lise Wiik . In both museums visitors can try them out and have their pictures taken . www .bluesfest .no

Highlights in Notodden, Norway The Kitten Square: Reviving the City Center

You might not see them at a first glance but when you visit Notodden’s city center - probably the most vibrant part of the town - they are everywhere: Kittens . Small ones, bigger ones, white or black, on roofs and in the streets; no, not real kittens but kitten sculptures . The reason for this unique and special example of urban design is a personal idea that turned into a movement . It all started with a cat loving lady who had lost her pet . She and some friends placed the first kitten sculpture in 2005 in memory of hers and other pets that are lost or missing . People, especially children, loved it and soon a whole neighborhood supported her . Now, every year, money is raised with the aid of a local flea market to order a new kitten sculpture from locally and nationally known artists . Thanks to that initiative Notodden’s city centre - also known as Oscar Nissens Square - is called the Kitten Square . The Kittens as well as the Felicia Coffee Bar revived the town’s center and made it a perfect place to sit in the sun, watch the street life and enjoy a Café Latte . By the way, from here it is only a two minute walk to Carbiden, one of Notodden’s pubs . © Øystein Ytterbø

Highlights in Notodden, Norway Notodden’s Industrial Park: “A foundation for growth and prosperity”

If you visit Notodden, located about two hours south west of Norway’s capital Oslo, you cannot miss the impressive buildings at the town’s waterfront, a vestige of bygone days . Notodden’s Industrial Park is the cradle of Norsk Hydro AS . The invention and production of artificial fertilizer from newly developed water power sources started here in 1905 . With these two ranges of technology Notodden’s registers the classical criteria of what is called the “Second Industrial Revolution” . Together with the industrial town of Rjukan, the transport axis of Rjukan- Notodden, the towns Tyssedal and Odda Notodden forms “an outstanding picture of the early 1900s, when the second industrial phase created the foundations for the growth and prosperity that characterize modern social development in the West”, writes the UNESCO on its webpage whc .unesco .org . “In this perspective these places contain all the facets of this development: technological, economic, social, aesthetic and cultural”, and that is just one of the reasons why this industrial collection is nominated for the World Heritage List of the UNESCO . Today, these buildings accommodate small and medium sized businesses, restaurants, a High school and the office of the Notodden Blues Festival . The band Peaccatum even used one of the buildings as a setting for their music video to the song “The Moribund People” .

Highlights in Telemark, Norway The sun mirror in Rjukan: Bring the sun into the city

It was back in 1913 when Sam Eyde, founder of the town Rjukan and the company Norsk Hydro, launched the idea of a sun mirror . For him this was the chance to bring people in Rjukan sun in winter time . Since the town is surrounded by mountains the sunlight does not reach the valley for five months, therefore from October to March Rjukan is dark . Unfortunately, Eyde’s idea has never been realized but Tinn municipality has preserved it and now wants to install the sun mirror to illuminate the town square with reflected sunlight . Entries for an architecture competition for the square, 100 years after launching this idea, have been collected . A 100 square meters mirror will redirect the sunlight down into the valley and transform the city square into a sunny meeting point . 11

Highlights in Telemark, Norway Seljord Myths & Stories: Identity built upon culture, business & history

The town of Seljord is a strong place for commerce in west Telemark . Here, 38 percent of the jobs are based on tourism . The municipality is working with cultural based local development through the project “Seljord Myths & Stories”, in cooperation with local, regional and national stakeholders . The myths and stories are abstract but with simple concepts can be transformed into the landscape . To experience community spirit in Seljord you should visit the agricultural fair which has been arranged for 130 years . More than 60,000 visitors come to Seljord for three days in September to be part of the agricultural fair Dyrsku`n, a unique folk festival far north . The fairground stretches out over 30 acres and is fully equipped with all modern facilities . It is a popular place for all kinds of activities, from national folk music competitions, to cow races and the World Cup in Icelandic Equestrian Events (1997) . Well, there is more to prove the strong community spirit in Seljord . The Granvin Civic Centre, build and funded almost entirely by community volunteers, offers a sports hall and a theater of high professional standards . Thanks to its people, Seljord is an attractive place to live that builds its identity upon culture, business and history . www .seljordportalen .no; www .intothelandscape .no 12

Highlights in Telemark, Norway Seljord Myths & Stories: Identity built upon culture, business & history 13

Highlights in Telemark, Norway The Dream Mile: Strengthen cultural monuments

The working quarters of Ovre Verket, the imperial building of Ulefoss Hovegaard and the traditional Ulefoss Iron Works Vrangfoss are just three of the six nationally important cultural monuments that can be found within a ten mile radius of the Ulefoss waterfall . The village of Ulefoss in Nome municipality, named after the waterfall, is surrounded by the six flagships of the Dream Mile, a concept that leads today’s visitors from the past to the future . The Dream Mile will create an active, visible and well adapted and organized attraction cluster along Telemark Canal based on the local conditions . One of the aims of the Dream Mile is to strengthen the cultural monuments in Ulefoss as a tourist destination and resource by making them more available and attractive for visitors and local residents . Local residents will be appointed as ambassadors for their own cultural history and will create appropriate content for the digital solutions that will be available for the tourism industry . In this way, new values based on cultural heritage will be developed . 14

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway Halden: The gateway to Norway

If you are on your way to Halden you will see the majestic towers of Fredriksten fortress when you enter the town . Once, the fortress played a vital role as a defense structure against the Swedes . Today it is one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions . It offers exciting history, manor houses, vibrant night life and much more . During the summer, events such as a spectacular opera, are held on the grounds of the fortress gathering more than 10,000 people . But Fredriksten is not everything that Halden has to offer . Located about two hours south-east of Oslo in a beautiful countryside, the town is surrounded by fjords, mountains, archipelagos and hunting ranges . At the Halden Canal, a part of the Halden waterways, you find some of the finest technical historical monuments in Norway, including Europe’s highest sluices, the Brekke Locks . www .halden no.

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway Inspiria Science Centre in Sarpsborg: A driving force in social development

To experience the fun side of science and math is one of the ideas behind INSPIRIA, a science center of 6400 square meters located in Sarpsborg . 170 million Norwegian kroner had been invested to raise the interest for science and math’s among young people and to raise the level of education within the local population . Why? Well, a cross-national education comparison showed that pupils from Østfold performed worst in science . Since Østfold has a lot of industry that demands engineers from several scientific disciplines, the authorities took action to counteract the negative trend . The ambitious goal is mirrored in INSPIRIA’s mission: “To be a driving force in social development” . Surprise and wonder are emphasized at the centre, not established facts and abstract theorems . If that can inspire some youngsters to seek higher education the purpose of INSPIRA is achieved . www .inspiria no.

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway Fredrikstad’s Old Town:

Gamlebyen is the best preserved fortress town in the whole of Scandinavia and definitely worth a visit . It is North Europe’s best preserved fortress town . Here you can take a stroll along the old, narrow cobbled streets . They will take you past shops offering designer goods, art and craft as well as other curiosities . When you have explored Gamlebyen, you should take the ferry to the centre of Fredrikstad with its unique market square and pedestrian zone . Founded by King Fredrik II in 1567 the town is situated by the river Glomma, which runs to the Oslo fjord . Fredrikstad is home to 72000 people, the fifth largest population in Norway . Before the Oil Age, the town was prominent in terms of producing and developing products, such as ships . Fredrikstad mekaniske verksted (FMV) was one of the front runners in creating ships in Northern Europe before it was sold off to local merchants . www .fredrikstad .kommune .no

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway The Solberg Tower: Experience the unexpected

The Solberg Tower is a gateway to the proud heritage of burial grounds, renowned fortresses, medieval churches and stately homes . Opened in 2012 it became a landmark that offers unexpected experiences . The tower has been designed as a “living” meeting point and serves as a centre for activities that connect people with nature . This cultural hub also helps to increase understanding of the ongoing work of conserving Østfold’s heritage and landscape . Architect Todd Saunders has made a special point of using forms and materials that contribute strongly to the overall experience . The spectacular Solberg Tower is intimately related to the landscape in which it is placed and which it now forms part of; cultural heritage is integrated into the architecture and artistic expression .

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway Rudskogen Motor Centre: Racing like a pro

Those who think that Norway is a quiet and idyllic country with a tendency to boredom should visit Rakkestad in Østfold County . And if they are brave enough they should take a ride at the Rudskogen Motor Centre . Situated in a hilly terrain the circuit is regarded as one of the most technically demanding courses in the country . Its motorcycle and car racing circuit with a length of 3217 meters as well as a 1210 meters long karting track and an enduro riding area offer lots of fun for riders as well as for the audience . Rudskogen Motor Centre hosts car and motorcycle races in many different categories and is also privately hired for corporate events and training courses in advanced driving, for example by police and emergency services . The Ministry of Culture has officially designated it as Norway’s national motorsport facility . www .rudskogen .no

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway Galleri F15: Experience the diversity of modern art

Located in one of the most beautiful areas in the Oslo Fjord Region, Alby on Jeløya, the Galleri F15 and its surroundings are a cultural and historical jewel . The outdoor area of Alby is unique with its distinctive mix of fine old buildings and upper-class radical, cross-border art . The Gallery was established by the Brandstrup brothers in 1966 when there were few institutions for art in Norway, and people were starving for possibilities to experience art in nice surroundings . Now Galleri F15 is one of the most important art centres in the Nordic countries . It aims to show the best of national and international modern art . Different exhibitions present the diversity and expressions of modern art year round . The Gallerie is also a meeting point offering courses and cultural activities, focusing especially on the art of children and young people . www .punkto .no

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway Spydeberg parsonage: Where history took place

The parsonage in Spydeberg is a historical place of national value . It was home to Nicolai Wilse, priest in Spydeberg from 1768 to 1786, who was an excellent scientist specialising in nature and cultural history . He was first in Norway to carry out systematic registration of meteorological datas . His book “The Descriptions from Spydeberg” (1779) is a reference work well known in Nordic universities . In 1814 the parsonage also played an important role when Norway got its own Constitution . For 438 years Norway had been a part of Denmark, but as a result of the Napoleonic wars Denmark lost Norway to Sweden . After a short war the Danish king Christian Fredrik capitulated in Spydeberg and started negotiations with Sweden . The result was a peace agreement, the “Mossekonvensjonen” . Norway became part of the union with Sweden and kept its constitution law . In 2014 Norway and Spydeberg will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Constitution .

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway Ola Vigen Hattestad & Katja Visnar: Ski champions at the border

“The special thing about Marker and Ørje – and the rest of Norway as well - is the huge amount of free space available to everyone . The immense nature, the lakes - all this is for everyone . “That’s special”, says ski champion Katja Visnar . Together with Ola Vigen Hattestad she commutes between Bled in Slovenia and Ørje in Norway . Ola Vigen Hattestad, was born in Ørje, Marker municipality, and is a member of the Norwegian national team in speed skiing and winner of two world championships and twelve world cups . Katja Visnar from Bled, Slovenia is member of the Slovenian national ski team and has two silver medals in the ski world cup under her belt . Being busy with sports Ola is mostly just ‘visiting’ his home place to meet friends and family . “But I really appreciate the nature and the possibilities it gives for training and recreation . Ørje and Marker are perfectly situated, with short distances to both airports and bigger cities . That’s important, whether you’re living or working there – or just visiting . “ www .olahattestad .com

Highlights in Østfold County, Norway Vollene Culture- and Environmental Farm: Success based on cooperation

The success factor of the Vollene Culture and Environmental Farm - a center for encounter managed by the municipality of Spydeberg in Østfold county - is the multitude of various activities . Here, a broad number of participants such as local police, other public institutions within or outside the municipality and private institutions commit to the support of the farm . Today, this model of cooperation is known as the ”Spydeberg model” . The farm’s day to day activities are characterized by several issues of a preventive nature such as activities related to crime prevention, a learning arena for early school leavers, a nature kindergarten, excursion days for school children, public health programmes, even driver´s lessons for adults over 65, and much more . The farm also has it´s own carpentry workshop . The premises include a museum for old farm equipment and a local shop where handicrafted articles are sold . ”Evaluation programmes for the ’Spydeberg model’ indicate that the crime rate among youngsters between the ages of 15 and 23 has decreased by approximately 70 percent”, stated Chief coordinator Sigmund Lereim . 23

Highlights in Trebbin, Germany Hans Clauert: The Eulenspiegel from Trebbin

Born in 1506 or close to that year, Hans Clauert grew up in Trebbin . After he became a metal worker Hans went on the tramp . He made his way until Hungary where he worked as a gunsmith for a count . After all kinds of adventures Hans Clauert returned to Trebbin and married . He decided to make a living from cattle trade . Gambling too much he lost his loans which made his wife Margarete so angry that the couple ended up in several fights . In the end she took him to the court of the Elector of Brandenburg . Unexpectedly enough, both Elector as well as the senior civil servant of Schlieben liked Clauerts’ personality, although they themselves were not spared from his pranks . Clauert knew how to complain about too high taxes and duties with humor, charm and intelligence . In 1566, when the plague broke out, Hans and his wife left the town and died at the gates of Trebbin . Clauert is not world famous, even in Germany he is rather unknown but Trebbin and the Mark of Brandenburg are still closely linked with Hans Clauert, there are:Clauert Street, Clauert Square, Clauert House, Clauert Stuben, there is even Clauert’s beer and Clauert’s Schnaps . All these items prove that even five centuries after Hans Clauert’s death he is still remembered . The people in Trebbin are proud Clauertstädter and until today they tell the story of the man who made people laugh and think .

Highlights in Trebbin, Germany Trebbin Train Station: Transforming an old station building into a meeting place

The train station of a town often works as an entrance gate . From here many visitors start to explore the place and its inhabitants . Trebbin makes no exception from that concept . But the problem is that the old station building has seen better days and now is everything but an attractive welcoming point . A few years ago the municipality bought the old station building and for a while the authorities were looking for a new sustainable usage of the house that no longer served as a station building . Now, the idea is to reconstruct the old house into a new social Mobility & Competence Center that will be used as a multifunctional meeting point for all generations . The aim is to offer a variety of activities for people with different backgrounds .

(Pictures © ? 25

Highlights in Trebbin, Germany The Memorial Square: Enliven the City Center

Located in the heart of Trebbin, the memorial square marks the center of the almost 800 year old town that is also known as Clauert-Stadt-Trebbin, named after the Eulenspiegel of the Mark Brandenburg . In 2013, when Trebbin celebrates its 800 anniversary, the memorial square shall be enhanced and transformed into the Square of Generations in the city center . Here youth and adults likewise can meet and talk . The aim is to invite inhabitants to meet at the renewed square, to communicate and therefore to enliven Trebbin .

Highlights in Tranemo, Sweden Arne Andersson’s flower garden: A paradise of daffodils

Every year in April forests and meadows around Fagerås, a small place south of Tranemo, are swathed in bright yellow . Thanks to Arne Andersson people from all over come to see the blossoming of hundreds of thousands of daffodils . In 1978, Arne Andersson started to grow a flower garden and expanded it every year . Now it stretches out over several hectares with daffodils everywhere around his farm in the forest . Just for a short time – from April to early May – this amazing spectacle can be witnessed and lots of people take the opportunity to enjoy Fagerås’ paradise of daffodils .

Highlights in Tranemo, Sweden Torpa – Hofsnäs: Thrilling stories & inspiring places

Immerse in history and travel back to the 16th century: Located at the lake Åsunden Torpa stone house, an old well preserved castle, is the perfect place to start an adventurous tour . There are many interesting and thrilling stories to be told . See the unique architecture and the gorgeous furnishings and let yourself be guided through the Swedish history . Not far from Torpa stone house, you will find the Hofsnäs mansion surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve with lakes and walking paths . Both, the stone house and the mansion are so inspiring that the author Birgit Sparres chose to use them as a setting in one of her novels . www .hofsnas .se & www .torpastenhus .se (© Staffan Arvegård) 28

Highlights in Tranemo, Sweden The Tranemodel: A place for creative minds

People in Tranemo are creative minds . A striking proof for that is the so called Tranemodel, a way to establish creative rooms by stimulating innovative and engaged people with different competences and backgrounds . With the purpose to meet and get new ideas to develop themselves and the society the Tranemodel aims at the future well-being of the region . The rooms will be placed in different villages in and outside the municipality and function as a symbol . Therefore the rooms will be furnished and equipped in a special way with help from the municipality . Local people will govern and develop activities in order to establish contacts and exchange ideas by building networks .

Highlights in Tranemo, Sweden The Yellow House in Uddebo: Small places can do!

The organization ”The Yellow House in Uddebo” does not only repair an old industrial building in the small village Uddebo in Tranemo municipality . A group of driven and motivated people arrange activities in and around the village to show that small places are competetive and attractive . How competetive they are was demonstated in 2010 when The Yellow House took part in a Guinness World Record competion beating even Beijing . The goal was to gather as many people as possible to paint the same motive at a time . The motive was of course the yellow house . More than 400 artists joined this gigantic painting session and succeeded . www .gulahusetiuddebo .blogspot .se

Highlights in Suwalki, Poland Suwalki Blues Festival: Let’s have Blues for breakfast

Every year at the third weekend of July a magical thing happens in Suwalki: Smiling people from near and far amble along the streets, music can be heard everywhere and restaurants serve Blues for breakfast . Welcome to the Suwalki Blues Festival! It was in 2008 when the Blues arrived in Suwalki . Since then the festival has become an annual highlight in the city’s cultural calendar . The Blues made its way to the very North of Poland thanks to cooperation between Suwalki and its partner town Notodden, Norway . www .suwalkiblues .com

Highlights in Suwalki, Poland Andrzej Strumiłło: A guardian for Suwalki

Besides being a versatile artist Andrzej Strumiłło can be described as a guardian of Suwalki and protector of the wise tradition . Living in Suwalszczyzna region he works as a painter, graphic artist, sculptor, theatrical visual artist and much more . Professor Strumiłło contributes to Suwalki’s well-being with his talent, creativity, knowledge and experience . He also writes books and teaches art techniques and analysis . In 2008, the Modern Art Centre & Andrzej Strumiłło’s Gallery was opened in Suwalki and so far hosted 15 exhibitions of contemporary artists from Poland, France, Germany, the United States, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and China . www .csw-as .org

Suwalki Aquapark was opened in December 2010 . Built thanks to the European Union financial support this new sport & recreation centre in Suwałki attracts citizens and visitors from Lithuanian borderland and other countries . Sport and recreation swimming pools, a sauna complex and a salt cave are supplemented by rehabilitation centre, fitness club and the beauty salon . © Stanisław Pytel www .aquaparksuwalki .com 32

Highlights in Suwalki, Poland Suwalki Folklore Fair: Forgotten tastes of childhood

Every year in summer Suwalki travels back in time and turns into a huge folk market with traditional arts, artistic crafts, culinary products and music . The folk fair organized by the Regional Art and Culture Centre ‘ROKiS’is a real cultural holiday . Citizens from Suwalki and visitors from Lithuania, the Russian Federation and Belarus as well as tourists from other countries participate in that unique event with performances of Polish and foreign folk groups Suwalki Folklore Fair brings back the forgotten tastes of childhood .

If you want to learn about the history of the Yotvingian tribes – the first settlements of Suwalki Region, you should visit the Regional Museum in Suwalki or participate in the Archeological Picnic organized at Szwajcaria village . The wide range culture centre covers archeology, geology, ethnography, history, art, literature . Since 1999 the museum hosts the Jotvingian Archeological Fest in Szwajcaria, where ancient customs are revived . So far more than 40,000 visitors have witnessed the spectacle . www .muzeum .suwalki .info © Dorota Skłodowska, Krzysztof Wasilczyk 33

Highlights in Suwalki, Poland Hubert Stojanowski: Kept by the magnetism of the Suwalki region

Teacher at the Technical School Complex in Suwalki, member of the Association of Polish Art Photographers, laureate of numerous photographic competitions, enthusiast of paragliding and diving; Hubert Stojanowski is an all-rounder . ‘I fulfill my passions in Suwalki region because I am emotionally bounded up with it . I am kept here by the magnetism of that land and I try to register and record the outward things ’. www .sturnusek .republika pl.

‘The happiest moments of my life are connected with the club and my beloved city of Suwalki’, says Paralympic athlete Joanna Mendak, a swimmer of the MUKS Olimpijczyk Suwałki . In 2008 Mendak won a gold medal in Beijing ‘Thanks to a wonderful atmosphere and the friendliness of the people of my city, I was able to live through great moments and achieved so much . South America, Asia and Africa were extraordinary, but I always wait to return to Suwalki on the Czarna Hańcza river . It’s my city – I am its citizen . It’s my home ’.

Highlights in Joniskis, Lithuania Audrone & Sigitas Peraiciai: From love to the homeland

Deep in the heart almost everybody wishes to contribute to the creation of their own country’s welfare and to transform their own family life into something more meaningful and better . However, only few resolve to start doing that . Sigitas and Audronė Petraičiai started out of love . . love for deer, their homeland and its people . The two entrepreneurs opened their premises including a hotel, a restaurant and stud farm in 2004 . Together they have created infrastructure for business on green field . www .horseaudruvis .lt

Leonas Karaliūnas loves basketball . He does not only play himself, Leonas also collected history materials and exhibits for several years . All in order to turn his dream into reality: The foundation of a Basketball Museum – a museum that would amaze everyone not only with abundance of exhibits but also with uniqueness and attractive expositions . Today Leonas can rejoice at popularity of the museum, abundance of visitors, favourable reception as well as recognition of basketball enthusiasts . And the visitors in turn have a perfect chance to see an exhibition that cannot be found in other museums of the country . www .joniskiokrepsiniomuziejus .lt © L . Karaliūnas photo fund 35

Highlights in Joniskis, Lithuania Joniškis Complex of Synagogues: Enliven Cultural Life

As a phoenix reborn from ashes the unique Joniškis Complex of Synagogues has especially enlivened the cultural life of the town . This new space for cultural activities has opened in the heart of Joniškis and houses cultural initiatives . Here, holidays and events as well as exhibitions and conferences attract guests from all over the world . The Complex of Synagogues is now a venue for professional musicians from Lithuania and abroad . It bravely can be stated that it has become an important centre of attraction for both, local residents and foreign guests .

The town of Žagare with deep historical roots, is famous for its natural and cultural heritage, horses and cherries . The Žagarė Cherry Festival takes place every year in the third weekend of July . Its mission is to glorify the land of Žagarė, to make the townspeople and countrymen preservethe historical and cultural memory of the nation, national traditions, patriotism, and love for their home town Žagarė . Also to develop the culture of Northern Lithuania, the former territory of the Semigallians, to attract crowds of visitors not only from all over Lithuania but also from abroad . Every year the event surprises the audience with a new © Žagares regiopnal programme and an increasing number of visitors . park photo fund 36

Highlights in Joniskis, Lithuania Kleckai Festival:

In the land of Joniškis, dumplings have been called kleckai since the year dot . Nobody can remember exactly since when they have been rolled and who has taught this recipe: as far as the local women and their great-grandparents recall everyone used to roll those kleckai . A hundred years ago the kleckai were made to feed the family during the haymaking and sowing . Nowadays, thanks to Žiuriai rural community and Directorate of Žagarė Regional Park, women and men from all over the region roll their dumplings during the Kleckai Festival . They each have their own recipes . Thus the event does not lack in variety of tastes .

The history club “Semigallia” was founded not by professional historians but by a group of history enthusiasts - young men of artistic nature, who, with the assistance of their wives, take their hobby very seriously . They accumulate historical and archaeological material about the Semigallian tribe that existed in Joniškis land in ancient times . The club members are also interested in activities of similar clubs, they visit local and foreign museums and consult specialists . Their experiences materialises in handmade clothing, trimming and armament . “Semigallia” tries to revive traditions and pass them down to the young members .

Highlights in Joniskis, Lithuania Meile & Jakiškiai Manor House: Immerse in culture & history

Close to Joniškis, at the trunk-road Šiauliai-Joniškis, lies the architectural heritage Jakiškiai Manor House . Once it was ruled by a famous and influential family of German noblemen Koskull . At present, it is maintained, managed and restored by the young and indefatigable owner of the estate, Meilė Zaleckienė Though restoration has not been completed yet it has become an object of attraction . The manor estate is a new cultural space where plein- air painting and photography attract visitors . Here, you can immerse in a scene where jazz, classical music and singing poetry resound . Both, famous artists and art beginners enjoy spending time at Jakiškiai Manor House where the proud landlady Meilė takes care of everything - as if a good fairy preserves not only the building but also its cultural spirit . Maybe that is why it feels so good to be here .

Highlights in Jelgava, Latvia LATRAPS: Strength in unity

The story of LATRAPS is a story of belief and courage . When the cooperative company of agricultural services „LATRAPS” started to operate in the year 2000 its mission was described with only two words: PRIDE and DETERMINATION . Back then, twelve farmers of the Zemgale region – often called “the granary of Latvia” – took heart and decided to establish a competitive company . Today “LATRAPS” unites more than 600 farmers from all over Latvia . It is the biggest cooperative of grain and rape producers in the country . This story shows that farmers themselves encouraged the development of agriculture and boosted the export . www .laptraps .lv © Latraps Laflora: From practical to innovative

One of the biggest peat extraction enterprises in Latvia is „Laflora” Ltd . The enterprise operates since 1995 and manages three peat bogs with a total area of 1,800 ha and 5 .3 million tonnes of peat in stock . Besides opening its business for observers interested in the full cycle of peat extraction „Laflora” also pays attention to art and culture support programmes . Several interesting projects and art works have been elaborated . One of them is “12 sculptures from 12 artists for 12 months”, a booklet that reveals the process of peat turning into decorative items, such as sculptures . www .laflora .lv © Laflora 39

Highlights in Jelgava, Latvia Leisure complex “Viesu Lici”: Success based on diversity

From Easter to late autumn “Viesu Līči” is the place to be . Here you meet kids and adults, city dwellers and countrymen, Latvians and tourists from abroad . Established in 1991 as a vegetable growing farmstead, its owners decided to expand and opened a café in 1998 . Noticing that guests not only enjoyed the food but were also willing to stay longer, the owners established first attractions . In “Grassland” a large playground with swings, merry-go-rounds, mini-golf course, cycle boats, a gigantic jumping pillow and more awaits the visitors . Today “Viesu Līči” is a popular place with restaurants and a guest house and the possibilities for boat trips to Jelgava Palace . www .lici .lv

Highlights in Jelgava, Latvia Janis Davids: Our values to take care of: Family & Bread!

“Take the bread in your hands, smell it, cut the slice, smell again! Feel the bread and think about what you eat!” For Jānis Dāvids bread is not only food, it is a holy word . It includes knowledge gathered for centuries, hard work, thoughts, values, inherited and evaluated from generation to generation . For almost 20 years Dāvids has kneaded bread dough, always putting heart and soul into his work . Using pure biological ingredients he prepares bread the way it was done hundreds of years ago: fermented naturally and baked in a firewood oven . Try it and you will feel it . www .svetesmaize .lv

Dāvis Beitlers from Valgunde was 7 when he mastered the organ and piano . Today, the 19-year-old studies accordion at a Music School . But music is not Dāvis’ only talent: He has been painting for seven years and showed his art in 15 personal exhibitions . He also studies the local history with the purpose to establish a local history museum . The youngster cares for the history, brings together and inspires locals - an ardent patriot of Valgunde .

Highlights in Jelgava, Latvia Herta Elza Šalkovska: For the benefit of the local society

To improve the social life and to give local people from remote areas the possibility to gather, is the aim of the Day Center in Glūda . Its manager, Herta Elza Šalkovska, is a person to rely on, a committed team player . Thanks to her initiative many different events and trainings give locals the chance to acquire new skills and knowledge, e .g . computer literacy for pensioners or handicrafts . Numerous projects were elaborated: a public bathhouse, a laundry room, children’s activity centre and playground, and a gym . The annual Bread Baking Festival is one of the events organized thanks to Herta and the people of the Day Center, a place where people are active with pleasure . © Martins Mednis Weaver Liene Ozolina: The spirit of Local Community

People working on a voluntary basis who generously share their skills and affect other people in a positive way are essential for any community . Liene Ozoliņa, a Master of Applied Arts is such a person for Līvbērze . She puts her soul in weaving and helps colleagues to create new patterns and ornaments . She also trains at the craft centre “Līve” and organizes activities for young people . An exhibition shows a selection of the works of new masters . For her efforts Liene has been nominated for the “My work - for my community” award .

Highlights in Vidzeme, Latvia Ape: A town in transformation

The small town Ape lies close to the border with Estonia . Although it is a place with the shortest name in Latvia, its people have strong characters and active minds . They still speak their regional dialect and do not bother to copy big city people . Besides being a musical place - Ape has various dance groups, a choir, and several music groups - it is also very sporty . For 40 years now the town has hosted the international motorcycle race „Vaidava Cup”, managed by a local family . Cycling, ice-hockey, football and other sports are popular as well . There are even father and son ice- hockey teams . Ape used to be a town of craftsmen and merchants and it still holds its autumn fairs offering woollen mittens and socks, wooden handicraft, cheese & honey and seedlings . To keep those traditional skills the Ape Centre for Innovative Ideas offers e .g . weaving courses but one can also learn gift Ape is a blooming town, decorated with fantastic flower gardens and floristic wrapping, flower arranging and other more modern skills . objects . Almost every household grows plants in their backyards . Later these plants are used to prepare a flower carpet for the Town Festival .

In 1869 the first brass band of Vidzeme was formed in Ape . A traditional summer solstice celebrated in the blooming town of Ape . Even today brass music is an important part of Ape’s cultural life . (© Ainars Gaidis) 43

Highlights in Vidzeme, Latvia Harijs Rokpelnis: The diligent youngster from Mazsalaca

When Harijs Rokpelnis returned to his hometown Mazsalaca in the north of Vidzeme Region locals noticed an increasing number of projects; also the town’s everyday life became more colorful with new tourism activities - all organized by the youngster . Harry, as everybody calls him, became head of the Mazsalaca Region Tourism Information and Business Support Centre after obtaining a good education . He is one of the few young home comers . Locals admit: “Harry is a great benefit to our town ”. Thus, he was awarded “Person of the Year” for implementing various projects in Mazsalaca region . Harry’s former Economics teacher says that the youngster single-handedly attracted almost 70 thousand Euro for the town’s development . But it is not just about money . More important is “Harry is a great benefit to our town”, say that Harry has motivated others to become active and to help create a the locals from Mazsalaca . better society in Mazsalaca .

Another great idea from Harry: A Vintage bicycle festival that attracted about 400 participants . The festivity was based on the fact that the family of the largest bicycle manufacturer in the Baltics in the early 20th © Vija Rozenberga, Oskars Rozenbergs century, Gustav Ehrenpreis, was from Mazsalaca . 2011 marked his 120th birthday . 44

Highlights in Vidzeme, Latvia Priekuli Sundial: Keeping the happiness in Priekuli

Priekuļi, a village of 2000 inhabitants, located in the heart of Vidzeme, is widely known for its meteorological observation station, biathlon track, agricultural machinery exhibitions, potato and grain varieties and a unique sundial . In 2010, the locals gathered next to the Regional Council building and planted 150 various trees, marking the outline of a new park . They paved the sidewalks; benches, trashcans and lanterns were placed throughout . With help of astronomy experts, people from Priekuļi formed a stone mosaic and a special sundial, a so called analemmatic sundial . While you stand on a pretzel-like month scale in the centre of the sundial, the right time is determined by the position of your shadow . To illustrate the connection of the name Priekuļi with the word happiness “prieks”, the sundial has the shape of a smile . Today, the “Sun Park” is a gathering point for young and old, locals and visitors . The latest plan that the people from Priekuļi want to put into action is a health trail . You see, locals in Priekuļi are There are 20 sundials in Latvia but the analemmatic sundial in Priekuli is never short of ideas . May the Sun give them the energy to the largest one in the whole country . carry them out!

In November when Latvia commemorates its soldiers, the sundial Together we are strong: Cherry tree planting in the becomes a beautiful object of light, with many lit candles; it is the Sun Park . place where the remembrance event is held . Here togetherness is strengthened, history is written and new traditions are born . © Normunds Kažoks , Jānis Sirlaks 45

Highlights in Vidzeme, Latvia Oleri Manor: Sensation, Reflection & Conversation

To promote culture, education and social life in the rural districts of Vidzeme is the mission of “Oleri Manor”, a non-governmental organization that takes care of the ensemble of Oleri estate . The manor built at the end of 18th century was partly abandoned until the late 1980ies when the NGO took over the management . Luckily the manor was not disturbed by dull architecture of the Soviet times but a big fire in 2000 caused notable damage and set back the whole renovation process . Today, the main building is still under restoration . Nevertheless, social activities are held in annexes . The estate is used for non-commercial purposes, organising open, free or charity based, educational and cultural events . All donations are used for the conservation of the manor house to turn it into a public centre of local and regional importance . The essential idea is to remind of the harmony between man and nature, the importance of private endeavor The cultural events organized in Oleri Manor focus on classical music and the knowledge of the lifestyle of our ancestors . concerts as well as educational lectures in art history, evenings with contemporary artists and workshops for craftsmen .

The renovation process also includes the reconstruction of the manor’s garden in the late 19th century style, a harmonic refuge from the rushing world .

Highlight of the Trans in Form Project / Pilot Investment New Park at the Waterfront: Make Tranemo more vibrant & attractive

Tranemo municipality focuses to improve the area in the middle of Tranemo town . Here, an old industrial building is situated that is no longer in use . To revitalize the town with a new modern library as a meeting place close to the water the plan is to tear down the old industrial building . This way land will be gained and used in a better way, namely, to increase the contact between the town centre and the lake . The Trans in Form project will focus on the park landscape around the new library . The pilot investments are about a music stage on the water, an outdoor gym for grown-ups of different ages and the illumination of the area . Finally, the park will be an interactive public space that turns Tranemo into a more vibrant and attractive place for its people . (© Staffan Arvegård) 47

Highlight of the Trans in Form Project Maria Konopnicka Square: Urban Transformation in Practice

A great example of urban transformation is the Maria Konopnicka Square in Suwalki, the pilot project implemented under the Trans in Form Project . The place has existed for several years as a neglected park in the city centre . Now, thanks to actions taken in the framework of TiF Project, it is going to be rebuilt into a new space for culture events, with cafes and temporary stands for selling regional products, fountains, an interactive bench, chess tables and a playground for children . Visit Suwalki and experience this transformed meeting point with its new image in 2013! www .um .suwalki .pl

Highlight of the Trans in Form Project Romantic walk with Dagmara: An old legend becoming alive!

The legend of Eleja Manor is the story of the duchess Dagmāra Medem who fell in love with the local police chief . Because her father was against that relationship Dagmāra jumped out of the window . On dark nights she still walks in the park holding a lantern, so people say . Following the theme of romantic love visitors are invited to take a walk in the ancient park . Explore the tea house, cross the bridge over the picturesque pond and reveal the secret desires to the loved ones with the help of interactive objects . One of them is a sculpture of Dagmāra that will be installed in one of the most beautiful spots of the park . Touch her heart, feel its warmth and listen to her heartbeats .