The “Digital Transformation for Cultural Heritage Capacity Building in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine” project, supported by the Creative Europe Programme, recently held its second meeting in Lithuania, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progress. The meeting, hosted by the Institute for Education Research and Innovation (IERI) represented by Simonas Teskevicius and Barbara Stankiewicz, was attended by project partners from Greece (Dimitra Dalamagka), Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, showcasing the collaborative spirit and transnational scope of this initiative.
The meeting began with a warm welcome at Vilnius University, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Lithuania. The partners gathered in a historical setting, which provided an inspiring backdrop for the discussions on preserving and promoting cultural heritage through digital transformation. Each partner presented updates on their respective contributions to the project, highlighting the progress made since the kick-off meeting.
The discussions were comprehensive and focused on several key areas. Firstly, the partners reviewed the requirements needed for the creation of the digital models and shared their experiences and insights, discussing the challenges that can be encountered and the solutions implemented to overcome them. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning the next steps for the development of the “Belt of Vytautas” digital tourist route. This innovative route aims to connect various cultural heritage sites across Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, creating an interactive and engaging experience for both local and international tourists. The partners discussed the integration of AR elements into the mobile application, which will allow users to experience historical sites in their former glory, providing a unique virtual travel experience.
The meeting also included a visit to the Trakai Museum, a site rich in historical significance. Trakai, known for its picturesque castle on the island, provided a tangible connection to the project’s focus on Vytautas the Great. The museum visit was not only an educational experience but also an opportunity to explore potential collaboration with local cultural institutions. Discussions were held on how to incorporate Trakai’s historical narratives into the digital reconstructions, ensuring an authentic representation of the region’s heritage.
