JEWELS TOUR – Interreg Europe Project International Meeting Took Place on 18–21 May 2026

The event programme was as practical as possible, focusing on sharing experiences between countries. In a panel discussion, experts from the AEPJ, the Institute of European Studies, Jagiellonian University, and the Taube Center for Jewish Studies discussed in detail the integration of local heritage sites into major European cultural routes as an effective tourism development tool. Meanwhile, together with the Lublin Jewish Cultural Foundation, participants examined case studies of participatory management and community engagement in the preservation of their own heritage. An integral part of the meeting was a detailed analysis of Lublin’s commemorative practices during study visits to the Brama Grodzka – Teatr NN, the historic Jewish quarter, and the State Museum at Majdanek.

Particular attention was paid to modern technologies in the cultural sector. Experts from Breda University of Applied Sciences held a practical workshop on digital storytelling, where partners learnt how to convey ‘invisible heritage’ and complex historical layers through the language of modern digital formats that resonate with a new generation of travellers.

Lviv region also presented its own initiatives at this European platform. Experts from the Lviv National Academy of Arts spoke about the implementation of social innovations in the cultural sector through the case study of the Hlynyany community and the unique carpets by Zena Hlyniany Art Studio. Apart from that, the project partners were introduced to the outcomes of the RE:FRAME LILIEN initiative and a series of posters designed by talented young people. This served as a clear example of how arts and crafts can contribute to the sustainable development of regions.

Another key highlight of the meeting was the diplomatic support, as Ukraine's Consul General in Lublin Oleh Kuts and Consul Liudmyla Smei joined the project’s activities. Their attendance once again emphasises that the preservation of cultural diversity and the development of sustainable tourism are key components of European integration of communities. We express our gratitude to our Polish colleagues for organising the event, and to every member of the consortium for their productive synergy! Let’s keep up the good work!

As a reminder, the JEWELS TOUR project is being implemented as part of Interreg Europe with an aim of valorising and promoting Jewish cultural heritage as part of the multicultural European landscape. Locally, this initiative is being implemented by a team of the Regional Development Agency of Lviv Region in collaboration with the Lviv Regional State Administration and the Department of Sports, Youth, and Tourism of the Lviv Regional State Administration, which is acting as an associate partner.