About the Project

DGTRAN: Digital Transformation for Cultural Heritage Capacity Building in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine

Welcome to our project dedicated to the digitization of cultural heritage connected with Vytautas the Great, utilizing cutting-edge 3D and Augmented Reality technologies. This initiative spans across Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania, bringing together sites and buildings with a shared historical significance. Vytautas the Great is an interesting and respected figure in Lithuania, Ukraine, and Poland, known for his unique governance that fostered cooperation, tolerance, and mutual support among diverse European cultures.

Our team comprises grassroots organizations and institutions from Ukraine, Poland, Greece and Lithuania, all committed to driving digital transformation in the cultural heritage sector and enhancing our digital capabilities.

The project includes the creation of digital models of historical buildings linked to Vytautas the Great; a user-friendly website (you are visiting it right now), that provides free access to these digitized objects along with their engaging descriptions; interactive map of a transnational tourist route connecting significant historical and cultural sites; a mobile app that enables users to experience augmented reality and virtually “travel in time.”

We have chosen “The Belt of Vytautas” as the name of the tourism route because of two reasons:

The Belt of Vytautas is a famous medieval treasure that was found in Litva village, western Belarus in the early 1990s. This is a large gilded silver belt that might have been a gift from the Crimean Khanate. It became known as the Belt of Vytautas because of speculations that it might have belonged to Grand Duke Vytautas though there is no direct evidence to support the claim.

The term “belt” in geography means “a usually bandlike geographic region that is distinctive in a specific respect”.

The DGTRAN project is developed to promote quality cultural content across Europe and beyond, attracting more tourists, and fostering cross-border cooperation and intercultural dialogue, enhancing the cultural connection between our nations.

Join us in celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Vytautas the Great through innovative digital technologies.
Explore, learn, and connect with history like never before!

Знайомство з проектом DGTRAN та його партнерами

Project Partners

The “Digital Transformation for Cultural Heritage Capacity Building in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine” (DGTRAN) project, supported by the Creative Europe Program, aims to digitally preserve and promote cultural heritage across three countries.

Coordinated by the Volyn Foundation, the project leverages innovative digital technologies to enhance the accessibility and appreciation of historical sites linked to Vytautas the Great.

Each partner brings unique strengths and expertise to the project, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the digital transformation of cultural heritage.

This collaboration not only enhances the preservation and promotion of historical sites but also fosters cross-border cooperation and cultural tourism, enriching the European cultural landscape.

Volyn Foundation (Ukraine)

The Volyn Foundation, based in Lutsk, Ukraine, was established in 2017 with a mission to preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of Volyn, enhance local tourism, protect the environment, and foster educational and cultural cooperation. Over the years, the Foundation has implemented numerous cross-sectoral cultural projects, including the creation of tourist routes, artistic and literary presentations, and a podcast dedicated to culture, creative industries, and heritage preservation. The Foundation’s efforts aim to integrate Ukraine’s heritage into the broader European cultural space and stimulate international cooperation.

See more: volynfoundation.org/en

Volyn Foundation

Lutsk, Ukraine – Coordinator

Institute of Entrepreneurship Development

Larissa, Greece – Partner

Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED) (Greece)

The Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED) is a Greek non-profit organization dedicated to promoting innovation and enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit. Established in 2005, iED is a certified Center of Excellence in European entrepreneurship and a member of the European Commission’s catalog of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs). The organization conducts research and provides innovative solutions to foster entrepreneurship and employment. iED’s commitment to sustainable development and social cohesion makes it a vital partner in the DGTRAN project, contributing its expertise in digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

See more: ied.eu

Educational Research and Innovation Institute (Lithuania)

The Educational Research and Innovation Institute, founded in 2021, is a Lithuanian non-profit non-governmental organization. Its primary goal is to ensure access to quality education for all, improve educational standards, and implement projects related to education policy in collaboration with local and international partners. The institute’s focus on educational research and innovation aligns with the DGTRAN project’s objectives, supporting the digital transformation of cultural heritage through educational initiatives and policy development.

Institute for Education Research and Innovation

Vilnius, Lithuania – Partner

University of Bialystok

Bialystok, Poland – Partner

University of Bialystok (Poland)

The University of Bialystok, particularly its Faculty of History and International Relations, is a key partner in the DGTRAN project. Established on October 1, 2019, the faculty offers degree courses in History, International Relations, and Eastern Studies. The University of Bialystok’s expertise in history and international relations significantly contributes to the project’s goal of preserving and promoting cultural heritage through digital means.

See more: uwb.edu.pl/en