Eugen Vaida, Ileana Burnichioiu, Societate civilă și patrimoniu cultural în România. Proiectul „Ambulanța pentru monumente” / Civil society and cultural heritage in Romania. The project “Ambulance for monuments”

Abstract

This paper aims to present the objectives of the “Ambulance for Monuments” Project. During the last two decades several NGOs, foundations, and private owners concerned with the preservation of monuments have provided financial support for research, restoration or monuments and revitalization or resurgence of traditional crafts. They have also carried out campaigns for heightening public and official awareness concerning the value of the architectural monuments and their economic potential. Even though official or academic reports are not yet measuring its effects, the phenomenon of civil society involvement in rescuing heritage is growing in several areas, such as the region around Bucharest, southern and central Transylvania, and the Banat. One of the associations operating in this field is Monumentum. In 2016, the association launched the project “Ambulance for Monuments”. In 2016-2018, this project carried out interventions, mostly repairs of wooden and tile roofs, to almost 20 monuments. In 2019, local communities and authorities requested interventions of this kind to 10-11 monuments. The project aims to expand its activities and capabilities by attracting specialists accredited by the Ministry of Culture, academic trainers, local authorities and private investors.