REACH: improving REsearch capacities of Albanian higher education in conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage

REACH is a transnational project financed by the European Union in the framework of the Erasmus+ programme. It is a Capacity Building project in the field of Higher Education.

REACH is aimed at supporting the development of multi-disciplinary research skills and technical know-how in the field of Cultural Heritage conservation and restoration in Albania.

Based on the awareness that Cultural Heritage stands as a key resource for local economic growth of Albania, REACH is also expected to contribute to its accession process to the EU, through the modernisation and internationalisation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

PROJECT PARTNERS

The project consortium is guided by the University of Arts of Tirana and includes the University of Shkodra Luigj Gurakuqi, the Polytechnic University of Tirana, the Academy for Albanian Studies, and the Ministry of Education Sport and Youth of Albania.

The consortium also includes three Italian Partners (University of Bologna- Unibo, University of Urbino Carlo Bo – UNIURB, The Center for Innovation of Fondazione Flaminia – CIFLA) and one Spanish partner (Escola Superior de Conservación e Restauración de Bens Culturais de Galicia).

REACH project partners stand out by virtue of the specific competences they have. Albanian partners will be individually guided by EU partners in the implementation of research skills and best practice approaches for the study and conservation of Cultural Heritage.

The capacity building process will not be the same for each Albanian partner: complementary skills will be developed, related to disciplines that all contribute to sustainable and methodologically tailored studies and conservation activities, but without overlapping. This will set the basis for collaborations that can be established during the project and continue after its conclusion.

OBJECTIVES

REACH project has two specific objectives:

#1: strengthening, in the Albanian HEIs, applied research capacities in the field of conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage.

#2: supporting Albanian ministerial bodies in defining criteria and strategies for assessing the quality of applied research to conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, in line with the European Union standards.

To REACH these aims a set of activities have been identified and planned:

• Albanian partners will receive improved Lab facilities, with new set up and equipped laboratories and technical staff/teaching staff/researchers suitably trained.
• Research methodologies will be implemented thanks to a capacity building process for developing interdisciplinary approach in conducting applied research to Cultural Heritage conservation.
• Connections among researchers at national and international level will be consolidated, with the possibility to develop further jointed projects.
• Structural Impact on the HEIs system will be evaluated through the assessment of the adequacy between training offer and labour market.
• Basis will be set for starting ministerial procedures for the validation of conservators-restorers as a highly qualified professional figure, in line with European Union standards.

WORK PACKAGES

REACH is articulated around eights Work Packages, a group of connected and related activities oriented to reach a specific goal. Five of them represent the core of the project activities, in terms of capacity building and transfer of knowledges. The other three concerns the transversal activities aimed at guaranteeing a good coordination and communication among the project partners.

WP 1 | It’s a matter of PRIORITIES

First, we need to know where to start from. An in-depth need analysis will be carried out as a starting point, to outline a scenario of research priorities and educational needs in the field of Cultural Heritage conservation and restoration in Albania.

WP 2 | Improve yourself

Second, we need to provide Albanian partners with equipment and technical know-how. Technical Labs will be set up at Albanian HEIs partners, followed by dedicated training and technical workshops provided by EU partners. The capacity building process is now started!

WP 3 | Ready for TAKE OFF

Third, we need to put theory into practice. Researchers, teaching and technical staff from Albanian partners will be invited at EU partners to collaborate on ongoing research related to Cultural Heritage conservation and restoration.

WP 4 | Find, research, SHARE

Fourth, we need to pass knowledge to future generations. Using newly-equipped laboratories and acquired research know-how, Albanian researchers, teaching staff and technical staff will be working on study cases in their own Country, involving their students in the activities. EU and Albanian partners will also collaborate on the organisation of an International Summer School.

WP 5 | REACHing innovation

While on track, we need this process to be long-lasting. To REACH this aim, the project involves the Albanian Ministry of Education, whose bodies will be supported in defining criteria and strategies for assessing the quality of applied research to conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, in line with European Union standards.

WP 6 | Quality control

Supply chains need quality checks and controls. For this reason, REACH activities will be supervised by a dedicated Quality Committee of international experts, in order to ensure their successful implementation.

WP 7 | Together, we can REACH!

Project activities and results deserve to be shared at local, national and international level: this will allow to increase awareness on applied research to cultural heritage methodologies and required skills.

WP 8 | Rome wasn’t built in a day!

REACH is a three-years lasting, articulated project, with partners from different Countries: it is essential to have a solid coordinating body, responsible for the overall management and financial administration of the project. This is the main task of the Steering Committee.

CONTACTS

Email: reach.uart.project@gmail.com

Fb: Reach, innovating cultural heritage

IG: reachculturalheritage

Website: www.reachculturalheritage.eu