Exchange of practices in local self-governing and potentials/stages in development of cultural networks in the Pelagonia Region (Macedonia) and the Territory of the bay St. Michel (Region Lower Normandy – France) 26 - 30 June/Caen, Territory of the bay St. Michel, Cherbourg/Lower Normandy


Main aim of the working visit was to exchange knowledge and good practices in local self-governance of the municipalities and public cultural institutions of both territories, with the focus on the work and organisation of the cultural sector and its intersectoral collaboration with the sector of tourism, in respect to the existing public policies and programmes. The programme of the visit was developed by CRéCET (Lower Normandy) and Lokomotiva (Macedonia), the leading partners of the Cultural policies axe. The representatives of Macedonia that took active participation in the working visit were: Violeta Kachakova, Project Manager in Lokomotiva, Coordinator of the project for Decentralised cooperation between Macedonia and Lower Normandy; Rubin Nikoloski, Representative of the Centre for Regional Development of the Pelagonija Region; Vlado Despotoski, Representative of the municipality Krivogashtani; Ljupco Krstveski, Representative of recourse centre of the municipality Resen and Daniela Koleska, Translator. During the visit different meetings were realised with representatives of: departments for culture, education, youth, social live and tourism of the Territory of the bay St. Michel, several local municipalities (the community of communities St James, Community of communes of Granville, Saint Pair sur Mer, associated communities - Isigny-le-Buhat) and cultural institutions (Regional Relais Culturel from Ducey and La Brèche-Regional centre for cirque arts). The mentioned municipalities and cultural institutions among others from the Territory of the bay St. Michel will be included in the work that will start in 2013 on this territory related to creation of context specific cultural network and strategy for cultural development, following the positive practice and methodology established in the Pelagonia Region. Additionally, the meeting with La Brèche-Regional centre for cirque arts was used for discussion and arranging a contemporary cirque troupe from Lower Normandy that should have its presentation at the Regional Days of culture in Pelgaonija at the end of September 2012. The programme of the working visit can be downloaded here.