Current projects

Foster the development of the creative industries sector in Macedonia, creating opportunities for long-term employment and increased income for creative micro and small enterprises through the following:

1. Strengthen the “Creative Industries Center (CIC) – Skopje” to extend its business support services to companies;

2. Generate productive employment by working with unemployed persons, youth and women to start their own creative businesses; and

3. Improve the business performance of micro and small enterprises in the creative industries sector to respond successfully to market demands.

30 new creative micro & small business will be established.

60 new jobs will be created in Macedonia’s Creative Industries Sector.

More than 40 home and fashion product collections will be designed and developed by 30 local home-fashion and fashion designers.

30 new product portfolios will be created and 160 – 200 new products will be developed.

10-20 creative micro businesses will increase their income by 12 to 25%.

Gjirokastra Conservation and Development Organization (GCDO), Albania

EGNATIA EPIRUS Foundation (EEF), an NGO based in the city of Ioannina, N.W. Greece

Academy for Training and Technical Assistance (ATTA), Kosovo

MATA (Macedonian Artisans Trade Association), Skopje, Macedonia

1. To raise awareness among the general public about the cultural and economic values of historic cities and handcrafts as a common European heritage

2. To raise awareness and build capacities among decision-makers about the cultural and economic values of historic cities and handcrafts as common European heritage

3. To develop synergies among NGOs working for the preservation of historic cities, based on shared European values and standards.

1. The general public has access to resources for becoming aware of the cultural and economic values of historic cities and handicrafts as a common European heritage.

2. At least 40 key decision-makers on national, regional and local levels have received education and publications in four important fields related to cultural heritage (historic cities and handcrafts).

3. NGOs working in the fields of historic cities and handcrafts have created a functional network.

• Reaffirming the traditional handcrafts and their adaptation to market needs
• Mentoring local craftsmen to fill the lack of knowledge on modern technologies and design
• Strengthening the skills of artists and craft makers for finalization and product quality
• Help for selling product on the market
• Promotion of artistic crafts and domestic craft makers using modern marketing techniques

At the same time efforts will be made to create conditions for development and other creative industries such as design, architecture, art, fashion design, advertising, performance arts and publishing.

1. Adaptation and equipping of the Center for Creative Industries technical and office equipment necessary to carry out planned activities

2. Development of training modules and organizing and implementing training programs

3. Development and implementation of program design mentoring

4. Development of partnership and collaboration with renowned design schools

5. Design and implementation of marketing services

6. Installing laboratories with appropriate activities such as: computer lab, resource library and design, classroom, small trade workshop, showroom and shop

7. Promotional campaign for the center