CULTURE PROGRAMME 2007 - 2013 SUBJECT: Project for Lefkara Laces – partners opportunities
Lefkara Municipality is seeking for European Partners with common historic denominators related to the topic- under-study for a project to be submitted under the Culture Programme, strand 1.2.1. (Deadline: 1st October 2009).
PROJECT SUMMARY
The "Lefkara Laces" represent one of the most important elements of Cyprus's intangible culture heritage.
The tradition of Lefkara Lace making started during the Venetian period in Cyprus (1489-1571), when the Venetian court used Lefkara as their summer retreat. Through the interaction with the noble ladies, the Lefkara women who were already famous for their embroideries and Lace making skills, added to their traditional technique, influences taken from the Venetian.
The masterpieces that came out of the combination of both techniques, leaded to what is known as the "Lefkara Laces".
The project's objective is to establish a strategy and the corresponding methodology for its implementation for the protection, preservation and re-introduction of the Lefkara Laces as art masterpieces of high cultural value, manifestations of the superior outcome of the combination of the different skills and abilities of different peoples, in the course of a long historic evolution. The project aims at establishing an intercultural dialogue among the peoples that contributed towards the creation of what is known as the "Lefkara Lace" or peoples that have experienced similar historic evolutions in their cultural development, for the exchange of historic knowledge; the recording of the historic route or patterns that can lead to the creation of art craft; and the development of an intercultural dialogue that can define a possible model of creating art of cultural value through the combination of knowledge accumulated in different countries.
The proposed project includes the following actions:
1. Recording and archiving of all embroideries and patterns that exist in private and public collections with a detailed description of the technique and special motives used on each individual piece, as well as information on the lace maker and the period of making.
2. Development of a plan for the "Lefkara Laces Museum", with a "Lefkara Lace" permanent exhibition and a center for the presentation of the lace making process and its evolution over the centuries. The presentations will be made by experienced Lefkara Lace Makers that practice the skill to date.
(The project will include a multimedia presentation of the process)
3. Development of a road exhibition consisting of high quality Lefkara Laces to visit EU countries. The exhibition and the program for the road show will be done in cooperation with the project partners.
4. Design and execution of a research program pertaining to the connection between Lefkara Laces and the Venetian Art.
5. Study and develop the plan and action steps for an annual European "Lace Making" Festival, to be organized by the project country –partners.
6. Creation of a European Information Network Center for the Lefkara Laces over the centuries, for the eventual recording of the historic and evolution of the Lefkara Laces, as a cultural art craft that can reveal the influences of times and historic events over peoples. I.e Venetian influence on Cyprus; economic deterioration of Cyprus; family roles and the sociological attitutional behaviors; the economic flourishing of the European countries and the consequences of the world wars oh the habitual behaviors of the Europeans; tourism in Cyprus; etc
ESTIMATED BUDGET
Estimated Budget: €380000
European Commission Financing: €185000 (50%)
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Lefkara Municipality welcomes any partner wishing to bring its creative and innovative contribution to the development of the project.
Expressions of interest can be send to Mrs. Elena Nikita at:
marketway@marketway.com.cy
Tel. No.: 00357 22391000
Fax. No. 00357 22391150