First Interregional Learning JEWELS TOUR Event in Ferrara
On October 15 and 16, 2024, the Municipality of Ferrara hosted the inaugural Interregional Learning Event of the JEWELS TOUR project. This first gathering took place in the Renaissance city of Ferrara, Italy, and brought together representatives from all JEWELS TOUR partners and of the italian associated partner, Emilia-Romagna Region. The event focused on fostering cross-border cooperation, promoting the valorization of Jewish heritage, encouraging sustainable tourism, and improving regional policies.
The event commenced in the historic Municipal Theatre of Ferrara, where key figures, including Alessandro Balboni, Deputy Mayor of Ferrara, Cristina Ambrosini, Head of the Cultural Heritage Sector of the Emilia-Romagna Region, and Alessandra Piganti, head of the EU Projects and International relations unit of the Municipality of Ferrara welcomed the participants and introduced ongoing initiatives designed to enhance Ferrara's tourism appeal and strengthen regional policy instruments and development strategies. Fortunato Arbib, President of Ferrara’s Jewish Community, voiced his strong support for the project, emphasizing its alignment with the community’s goals and valorization projects.
In the afternoon, Breda University led an interactive session focused on stakeholder engagement. This session encouraged open dialogue among participants on initiatives related to Jewish cultural heritage in the cities involved in the JEWELS TOUR project. Each partner shared their objectives and received valuable advice and guidance on improving their local engagement strategies.
The second day of the event shifted its focus to the use of digital technologies in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. It also covered essential project management aspects, such as technical and financial reporting, data management, good practices, communication and dissemination strategies, and the planning of next steps.
Participants also enjoyed a guided tour of Ferrara’s historic center, which included visits to the Jewish Ghetto, the Synagogue, and the National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah (MEIS), offering them a deeper understanding of the city’s rich Jewish heritage.
For more information on Ferrara's Interregional Learning Event, you can review the full agenda and the report here.
The next Interregional Learning Event is scheduled for March 2025 and will be hosted by Breda University.