#InterCities The final conference of the international InterCities project took place in Ivano-Frankivsk

On October 13, the Potocki Palace hosted the final conference of the project “Intercultural consciousness of multinational cities: tolerance of new generations” (InterCities), which is being implemented as part of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine program.

The event was attended by representatives of the City Council of Ivano-Frankivsk and Sighet, the project team, cultural institutions, and the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine program. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Sviatoslav Nykorovych, Deputy Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk; Kristóf Levente Orosz, Deputy Mayor of Sighet; Ihor Popadiuk, Director of the Department of Investment Policy, Projects, International Relations, Tourism, and City Promotion; Volodymyr Haidar, Director of the Municipal Enterprise “Palats” Space for Innovative Creations; Oksana Shiychuk, an expert from the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg VI-A NEXT Hungary–Slovakia–Romania–Ukraine program; and Mirela Anna Barz, Director of the Maramures Museum.

Project managers Yulia Bavolyak and Mirela Anna Barz presented the results of the InterCities project in Ivano-Frankivsk and Sighet. The initiative aims to preserve the multicultural heritage of the border region, foster intercultural dialogue, and promote tolerance toward national communities and ethnic groups.

Key results of the project in Ivano-Frankivsk include:

• Conducting archaeological research on the territory of the Potocki Palace complex and developing design and cost estimate documentation for two of its buildings.
• Creating a Center for Intercultural Cooperation, which opens up new opportunities for dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and the implementation of joint cultural initiatives.
• Organizing two festivals, two thematic forums, meetings with stakeholders, and lectures for students.
• Developing two alternative tourist routes linked to the Carpathian Cultural Route to promote the region’s history and cultural diversity.

In the city of Sighet, as part of the project, three historic buildings representing the cultural heritage of various ethnic groups were restored and renovated. A short film festival and competition, as well as an architecture camp for students, were also organized.

An important part of the final conference was the presentation of a collective monograph by Zenoviy Fedunkiv, Pavlo Nechitailo, and Larysa Polishchuk.

Participants also viewed the architectural-documentary exhibition “City Identity,” presented by Zoryana Lukomska. The exhibition provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s architectural heritage, the characteristics of its historical environment, and the importance of preserving cultural identity.

The conference concluded with an open roundtable discussion titled “City Identity: From Cultural Diversity to a Shared Future.” Participants discussed the role of cultural heritage in shaping the identity of cities, the importance of preserving historical memory, and opportunities for developing intercultural cooperation.

This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Executive Committee of Ivano-Frankivsk City Council and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

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