The discussion and exchange among the representatives of the Pelagonia region and the territory of Mont Saint Michel during the workshop in Bitola indicated a potential for cooperation between the institutional sector and cultural actors of both territories. The fields of interest and possible collaboration were seen in the domains of culture, as well as culture in relation to different forms of tourism. Therefore, the next activity organised by the Cultural policies axe was the official working visit of several communities from the territory of Mont Saint Michel. Main goals of the visit were:

• Introduction to the forms of organisation, management and support of culture established on the on level of "community of communities"
• Introduction to the models of inter-sectorial collaboration between culture and tourism developed on the level of territory (local governance) and on the level of cultural institution
• Presentation of different forms of cultural and touristic animation and programmes developed for different target groups of public and visitors
• Exchanging on possible domains of collaboration between cultural actors from Pelagonia and Mont Saint Michel (exchange of practice and models of work in the field of production and promotion of crafts as cultural practise that supports tourism).

Following meetings were realized:

• Center of Culture of city of Bréhal (meeting with Michel Caens, Elected in the municipality of Bréhal, responsible for socio-cultural activities and Patrice Desbleumortier, Director of the Center, responsible for cultural programme)
• l'Abbaye de la Lucerne d'Outremer (meeting with Virginie Parmentier, Responsible for the Abbaye)
• Touristic office in the community of communities Villedieu-les-Poêles (meeting with Fanny Caullery)
• Visit of three craft shops and workshops for manufacturing jewelry, furniture, leather and tire processing and pottery.

In the frame of this visit a very important meeting (round table) was organized in Villedieu-les-Poêles. This meeting gathered 11 representatives of cities, community of communities and cultural institutions from the territory of Mont Saint Michel, which presented their projects, programmes and fields of interest. Also they were informed about:

• Decentralised cooperation programme (with the presentation of Aurey Poulmier from the Regional Council of Lover-Normandy)
• The activities implemented in the region Pelagonia and the function of the Regional cultural network (with the presentation of Violeta Kachakova, Lokomotiva) and
• The main characteristics, work and fields of interest of the municipality of Mogila (with the presentation of Gordana Lozanovska-Stefanovska, Councillor in the municipality of Mogila)

This meeting was a preparation for a bigger meeting that will be held in September 2013, which should raise interest and motivation among the communities and cultural institutions from Mont Saint Michel to take part in the Decentralised cooperation programme.

The programme of the visit was developed and organised by the partners from Mont Saint Michel: Sandrine Poulet and Caroline Périer.

Photo Gallery

The report of the official working visit can be download here.