Cultural Center Research Articles

Teachers’ Teaching Competence in Sport Dance Classes in a Chinese Cultural Activity Center: Basis for a New Pedagogical Framework Model

Teachers’ Teaching Competence in Sport Dance Classes in a Chinese Cultural Activity Center: Basis for a New Pedagogical Framework Model

Sea-level changes and human economic development in the northern flank of the Yangtze River Delta during the Middle to Late Holocene

The environmental dynamics in coastal regions are inevitably influenced by fluctuations in sea levels and human interventions. Evidence derived from archeological site remains and sediment cores indicates that sea-level change has been the primary driving force behind the continuous relocation of human settlements since the Holocene epoch. However, the understanding of the Holocene land formation process and its relationship with human activities in the northern flank of the Yangtze River Delta remains limited. The Guoqing Temple, located in southwest Juegang and serving as a hub for sea salt production during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, was established in the Tang Dynasty and served as one of the pivotal points along the Maritime Silk Road. A sedimentary core was obtained in close to the Guoqing Temple, and the sedimentological and micropalaeontological data were analyzed to investigate the process of sedimentary evolution from marine to terrestrial environments, as well as the environmental factors facilitating the development of the salt industry. Analysis results explained that: Between 6360 and 1750 cal yr BP, the study area was situated in a shallow sea on the outermost periphery of the sandbank, with a maximum water depth of 20 m. After 1750 cal yr BP, it underwent a transition to a supratidal low-salinity shallow marsh environment that continued to be influenced by marine conditions. The climate in the study area is primarily influenced by the Asian monsoon: Before 3000 cal yr BP, the overall climatic conditions were characterized by warm and humid conditions; After 3000 cal yr BP, climate stability prevailed in the region. Meanwhile, due to the newly formed wetlands that facilitated extensive salt production, economic shifts toward southern regions, and reforms in salt laws during the Tang Dynasty, Juegang emerged as a flourishing commercial trade hub and a prosperous center for Buddhist culture.

Applying the concept of zero-energy buildings in the design of cultural centers through interaction with the user

Applying the concept of zero-energy buildings in the design of cultural centers through interaction with the user

Laissez-Faire or Sensitive Policymaking: The Legacy of Creative Clusters on Brownfield Sites in Berlin

With his saying “Berlin—poor, but sexy!,” former Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit framed the motto for a decade of transition in which the German capital became a Mecca for artists, media industries, and creative people from all over the world. Building on a longstanding tradition of tolerating diversity and as a centre of high culture and bohemians, the city developed a new cultural-political identity from a deep transformation crisis after German unification and the extensive loss of its industrial base. In conjunction with a blossoming of temporary uses in a wide variety of vacant properties, often abandoned production, infrastructure, or storage areas, an intense creative scene unfolded. Since the 2010s, this scene has been massively threatened by displacement due to the changed real estate market situation. Over the years, the city has tried to counteract this situation through cultural policy initiatives and niche projects for bottom-up initiatives, with limited success. Against the backdrop of accelerated development of former brownfield sites and funding cuts in urban cultural policy, the question currently arises as to what place subculture can occupy in urban policy in the future. Based on official documents, books, scholarly articles, project websites, newspaper articles, and own observations, this article attempts to evaluate the respective policies in the city over time, to place them in the context of approaches to a more land-security-oriented policy, and to make clear what role the re-used spaces and buildings from the industrial age play in this.

Assessment of the Technical Condition of the Kossak Manor Granary Building in Górki Wielkie

The article presents an assessment of the technical condition of the Manor Granary Barn of Zofia Kossak in Górki Wielkie. Due to its architectural value, the building holds special significance for the local community. Proper verification of the technical condition was crucial for the planned renovation and reconstruction in the next stage. It is planned that the Granary building will be transformed into an office and service complex with gastronomic and cultural elements as part of the "Kossak Educational and Cultural Center" project in the future. The history of the granary building dates back to the 18th century when it was part of an estate or manor, mainly serving as a warehouse for agricultural produce and other valuable goods. The assessment of the technical condition of the building was carried out with regard to the planned change of function to create various spaces such as exhibition halls, a café, or office spaces, which are intended to serve the organization of cultural and educational events. The implementation of the project will require a comprehensive technical analysis enabling the proper planning of renovation and modernization works. The scope of works will be related to necessary repairs of the roof, walls, ceilings, and facade, as well as adapting the interiors to the new needs of users. The transformation of the Granary into an office and service facility with gastronomic and cultural functions represents a significant step towards restoring life and functionality to this historic place.

THE HERITAGE OF VLADIGEROV – THE MUSEUM UP CLOSE

The preservation, scientific processing and presentation of the rich material and musical heritage of the classic Bulgarian composer Pancho Vladigerov are the main goals of the Pancho Vladigerov House Museum – Sofia. In fulfillment of Vladigerov's will and thanks to the donative gesture of his wife, Mrs. Elka Vladigerova, today the composer’s former home houses his archive, painstakingly collected by him throughout his life. The diversity and uniqueness of the collections in the museum's holdings are a prerequisite for the development of thematic documentary exhibitions, educational programs, and multi-genre concerts, as well as many accompanying events that attract young audiences and introduce them to the composer's personality and the recognition he received as a leading figure in Bulgarian musical culture, as well as on a European and global scale. The team’s work is focused on turning the house that has preserved the unique atmosphere of Vladigerov's home in the capital's Lozenets district at 10 Yakubitsa Street into an attractive cultural center.

ŞUŞA ƏDƏBİ MÜHİTİ

The article provides information on the study of the literary environment of Shusha. The literary environment of Shusha originates from this rich source. As elsewhere in Azerbaijan, the first literary samples were created in Karabakh by Russian poets, which is reflected in the works of poets and writers. Shusha is not only the cultural center of Azerbaijan, but also the birthplace of outstanding and talented personalities, artists, writers, composers, singers.

Արցախի կրթական ոլորտի խնդիրների արտացոլումը «Մշակ» թերթի էջերում (19-րդ դարի երկրորդ կես) / The reflection of the problems of the educational sphere of Artsakh on the pages of the newspaper “Mshak” (the second half of the 19th century)

One of the main centers of Armenian culture is the school which has a history of thousands of years. It has been considered as the most important factor in the manifestation and survival of national independence for centuries. The centuries-old path of Armenian educational and cultural life was especially manifested in the second half of the 19th century. The scientific article presented valuable information about the activities of Armenian schools operating in Artsakh in the second half of the 19th century. The problem we presented was considered on the basis of valuable materials posted on the pages of the newspaper “Mshak”. Based on some scientific research, the article emphasizes the importance of the socio-political and pedagogical movement that took place in Russia and Transcaucasia in the 1950-1960s, which had a beneficial effect on the development of the Armenian school and pedagogical thought. New diocesan, church-parochial schools were opened next to the existing Armenian religious schools. Male, female, one-class (միդասյա), two-class (երկդասյա), Mixed Gender schools (երկսեռ) gradually began to open in Artsakh. In its various issues, the newspaper “Mshak” covers the activities of the Diocesan School of Shushi, the Hripsimian Girls’ School, the Realakan School of Shushi, the Pastoral School of the village of Avetaranos and a number of issues related to these schools. The newspaper also addresses some other issues related to the Spiritual School of Hadrut. There is also very little information about educational life in other regions of Artsakh.

Protection Mechanisms and Revitalization Strategies for Industrial Heritage

Industrial heritage is a product of the Industrial Revolution and an important asset for a country or region. The protection and revitalization of industrial heritage have become pressing tasks in the present era. In the new era, it is essential, on the one hand, to establish a comprehensive and scientific policy system for industrial heritage protection by creating specialized protection agencies and ensuring strong governmental support. On the other hand, revitalization strategies should be developed based on practical needs, such as transforming industrial heritage into cultural and art centers, converting it into creative industry parks, and integrating industrial heritage resources into tourism and leisure industries. These strategies aim to ensure the comprehensive protection and sustainable use of industrial heritage.

Expanding Understandings of Curatorial Practice Through Virtual Exhibition Building

This article reflects on the translation of gallery space into a virtually immersive experience in an era of remote access. Curators and scholars such as Mary Nooter Roberts, Susan Vogel, Carol Duncan, Tony Bennet, Stephen Greenblatt, Judith Mastai, and Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett have discussed the myriad of ways in which the experience of culturally significant objects and sites in person has been critical to the study of art and its history. Focusing on theories of curation and display, I utilize practice-based examples from six virtual reality (VR) exhibitions produced in three different institutional contexts: the International Journal of Digital Art History’s online gallery, the European Cultural Center’s Performance Art program, and the Digital Humanities program at the University of California, Los Angeles. By documenting and analyzing the extended reality (XR) methods employed and the methodological approaches to the digital curatorial work, I address some of the challenges and opportunities of presenting objects in virtual space, offering comparisons to those faced when building physical exhibitions. I also consider how digital modalities provide a distinctly different paradigm for epistemologies of art and culture that offer greater contextualized understandings and can reshape exhibition documentation and the teaching of curatorial practice and museum studies.

‘A window of the world’: itinerant silent cinemas in rural Australia

ABSTRACT Moving pictures connected even the most remote corners of the British Empire with its cultural and economic center. Between 1896 and 1916, transnational silent cinema shaped settler-colonial Australia’s relationship to the British Empire in tandem with the colonies’ move toward federation and political autonomy. Traveling exhibitors were key to this process, bringing moving pictures from the UK, Europe, and the US to Australians who lived outside major cities. This paper explores how itinerant silent cinema shows brought not just the pictures to rural Australian audiences, but also a sense of belonging to an imagined transnational community, through films from the UK, US, France, Italy, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. Between 1896 and 1905, exhibitors like Maurice Sestier and Wybert Reeve were instrumental in introducing cinema technology, while entertainers like J. C. Williamson, T.J. West, the Marvellous Corricks, and Ettie Wilmott helped maintain the popularity of the cinema in the mid-1900s, in part by incorporating films into variety shows. From around 1910, when permanent cinemas had been established in larger Australian towns, until at least 1914 but in some cases for much longer, itinerant exhibitors and vaudeville shows like Wilmott’s Electric Pictures kept remote rural communities supplied, albeit intermittently, with cinema experiences that connected them to a wider imagined community.

Social Networks as a Tool for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukrainian Regions (based on the materials of the information and communication content of Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art)

The purpose of the article is to comprehensively investigate the materials of the informational and communicative content of the Internet site and Facebook page of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art and to reveal the essential aspects of the use of social networks in the conditions of a full-scale invasion as an effective tool for the presentation and popularisation of the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia as a region of Central Ukraine. The research methodology consists of general scientific and specific cultural approaches, principles and methods of scientific knowledge. The systemic-structural approach was applied to the study of the organisational and methodological activities of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art, aimed at popularising the intangible cultural heritage of the region. The internal connections and interaction of various components of the cultural and educational activity of the Centre for Cultural and Educational Activities, aimed at the presentation and popularisation of intangible cultural heritage in the conditions of a full-scale invasion, are revealed by the results of monitoring the materials of the Internet pages of the Centre (the Internet site and Facebook pages). Formal and comparative methods were used to analyse the institutional features of work in the Vinnytsia region as a region of Central Ukraine. The method of content analysis was used to generalise the publications of the Internet site and the information of the Facebook page of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art, dedicated to the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia, contributed to the objective determination of the main thematic trends related to the investigated problem. The scientific novelty consists in substantiating, revealing and proving the effectiveness of the use of social networks as a really effective tool for expanding the role of regional centres of folk creativity in the presentation and popularisation of the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia in the information field, in particular in the conditions of a full-scale invasion. On the basis of a practical study of the materials of the informational and communicative content of the Internet site and Facebook page of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art, the traditional culture of Vinnytsia, which contains a preserved living folk artistic culture with a classical / traditional folklore paradigm. The interaction of the Vinnytsia regional centre of folk creativity with institutions, cultural institutions and the external environment in the matter of preservation and popularisation of the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia region was revealed. Conclusions. Summarising the positive experience on the materials of the information and communication content of the Vinnytsia Regional Centre of Folk Art (website and Facebook page) demonstrated concrete achievements in the presentation, popularisation and preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of Vinnytsia in the conditions of a full-scale invasion. It is argued that the digital representation of the content of the intangible cultural heritage of the regions of Ukraine, in particular Central Ukraine, in social networks is a really effective tool for popularising the intangible cultural heritage in the information field. It is concluded that the traditional culture of Vinnytsia contains a preserved living folk artistic culture with a classical / traditional folklore paradigm. It was noted that the employees of centres of folk creativity need to have the skills to work in the spheres of SEO and SMM, which requires constant improvement of professional qualifications and stimulation of scientific and creative approaches in this direction and is a continuously relevant requirement of the time.

Latvian Research Libraries from the 1980s to the Present

Abstract This article explores the evolution of Latvia’s leading research libraries from the final decade of Soviet occupation to the present day. After the Soviet time, libraries have undergone great changes and have become modern, multifunctional cultural, educational, and research centres responding to the needs and expectations of society. The article focuses on the National Library of Latvia, centre of the Latvian library system since its foundation in 1919. The State Unified Library Information System has modernised the entire network of publicly accessible libraries. Twelve major libraries have been involved in developing the electronic catalogue. Work on the Latvian National Digital Library has been ongoing since 2006. The Latvian Government’s decision in 2002 to build a new National Library (opened in 2014) has also spurred on the renovation or construction of many other libraries in Latvia.

Cultural Sensitivity and Social Well-Being in Embassy Architecture: Educational Approaches and Design Strategies

Over the past two decades, the expanding environmental and ecological crises highlight the need to broaden the concept of sustainability to encompass support for cultural sensitivity and social well-being. This study explores the role of architectural education in fostering cultural sensitivity and social well-being in embassy architecture within a framework of environment–behavior studies. It starts from the premise that the architectural values of a culture are deeply rooted in the relationship between the users, architecture, and surrounding environment. State-sponsored architectural works (e.g., embassies, consulates, cultural centers) built outside the country are viewed as symbolic representations of a nation’s diplomatic and cultural influence. These architectural typologies hold a unique potential to act as bridges for cross-cultural dialogue and foster a collective sense of global citizenship. In order to develop and assess the teaching curriculum, a specific assignment was given to master’s students of the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, with the aim to explore how engineering education can be adopted to motivate students toward sustainable attitudes and design solutions. While traditional diplomatic architecture emphasizes inward-facing, fortress-like design strategies, establishing physical and symbolic barriers between the embassy’s territory and the surrounding context, this research advocates for a more holistic approach oriented toward cultural sustainability, openness, and integration within an urban context. Key findings highlight creative solutions for balancing cultural representation with functional requirements while prioritizing community engagement, environmental responsibility, and user well-being. By demonstrating the two distinctive architectural strategies, this study contributes to the culturally responsive embassy design within the broader context of sustainable architectural education.

The Temple as a Tangible Heritage of India: A Living Testament to Culture, Spirituality, and Architecture

The temples of India stand as a remarkable testimony to the nation’s spiritual, cultural, and architectural heritage. This paper delves into the multifaceted role of temples as tangible heritage, tracing their evolution from the early Gupta period to the architectural marvels of the Chola and Chandela dynasties. It explores the architectural diversity across regions, from the Nagara and Dravida styles to the unique Kalinga and Vesara forms. Temples are not just religious spaces but have historically served as cultural, social, and economic centers, nurturing art, education, and local economies. Their architectural brilliance, rich symbolism, and sacred geometry embody profound spiritual philosophies. Moreover, temples reflect the political and social history of India, with kings commissioning grand edifices to solidify their rule and connect with the divine. The preservation of these temples, many of which are threatened by neglect, environmental factors, and human activity, is crucial. Governmental and international efforts, including UNESCO designations, play a significant role in conserving these living monuments. As India modernizes, safeguarding its temple heritage is essential to maintaining the continuity of its cultural and spiritual identity for future generations.

V.P. Astafiev National Centre

The article presents materials on creation of the historical and cultural centre of Victor Petrovich Astafiev within the framework of the concept of sustainable development of Ovsyanka village in the Krasnoyarsk region timed to the 100th anniversary of the great Siberian writer.

Občanska znanost v splošnih knjižnicah

This paper summarises reflections on citizen science and the role of public libraries as focal points for citizen science. Citizen science has evolved beyond traditional research institutions. Public libraries are often referred to as the cultural and information centre of the local community. They promote equality in their communities through their policy of openness to all. Their role in the local community makes them a logical choice to become the centre of citizen science in their community.Based on a review of the foreign literature on citizen science and libraries as actors in citizen science, this paper presents different ways in which citizen science projects can be integrated into the framework of existing activities of public libraries. We have examined the ways in which citizen science is already present in public libraries and we have identified ways in which its presence can be further enhanced through the introduction of new services related to citizen science.

Training Methods for Students-Foreigners with the English Level Lower than A1

The English language level of students-foreigners who are going to study at Ukrainian Universities plays a crucial role especially in the cases when their future practical lessons and lectures are delivered in English. The group of Turkish students who had to undergo the training in Medical University as future doctors demonstrated during the preliminary linguistic tests that English (and Ukrainian) knowledge of the majority of students was even lower than A1 level. The causes were as follows: the low level of school education, geographical position of their native places, i.e. their remoteness from the cultural centers of the country, age (the younger the worse) and others. The situation made the Ukrainian teachers, who were responsible for their English training, use some uncommon methods, which should have led to positive results. The methods are as follows: first of all to brake the opposition “teacher – students” which allows to put teachers and students in the same social position; to forbid the use of computer translator during the lessons except for learning the new lexis to stop the irresponsible attitude of students to classes; to control psychological situation during the training and follow the University psychologists advices. The results of such methods use are described in the presented article.

‘The Cultural Mediator between the North and the South, the East and the West’: The 1930 Official Exhibition of Austrian Art in Warsaw

This article explores the official exhibition of Austrian art held in May 1930 at The Society for the Encouragement of the Fine Arts in Warsaw. Showcasing 474 artworks by 100 artists, the exhibition spanned the years 1918–1930, a period marked by Austria’s efforts to overcome post-war political isolation. The article examines the exhibition’s rhetoric and its critical reception in Warsaw within the broader context of Polish–Austrian diplomatic relations, influenced by Austria’s challenging political and economic situation and the priorities of the Second Polish Republic. The introductory essay in the exhibition catalogue, authored by Hans Tietze, emphasized Vienna’s seminal role as a cultural center at the crossroads of European artistic trends. This approach aligned with the cultural diplomacy of Johannes Schober’s government, which aimed to underscore a rhetoric of openness to the cultures of other nations, particularly the successors of the Habsburg Empire. This contrasted with the later identity policy of the Bundesstaat Österreich, which elevated Tyrol as emblematic of the core German–Austrian identity constructed in the new state. The analysis reveals that the exhibition represented the peak of Polish–Austrian cultural relations during the interwar years, suggesting the potential for broader engagement. However, this potential was short-lived, ultimately thwarted by the Anschluss of Austria to Germany in 1938.

Cultural Practices as a Tool for the Tourist Destination Development

The aim of the article is to analyse the functional peculiarities of cultural practices under the conditions of transforming tourist destinations in Ukraine. Results. On the basis of the conducted analysis, it is proved that the preservation of the uniqueness and attractiveness of tourist destinations depend on effective management and strategic priorities. It allows preserving the integrity of the cultural and tourist space with qualitatively new and attractive cultural practices. It is revealed that the tourist destination formation is one of the main tasks in the system of cultural policy development of modern states. The study analyses the role of tourist destinations as custodians of cultural heritage at all levels, such as global, glocal and local. It is established that such destinations form a unique cultural space for the entire country. They act as cultural receptacles and centres of cultural life that attract both local residents and tourists from other countries. It is noted that the symbiosis of cultural and tourist practices allows to form a national image with its unique cultural potential. The scientific novelty of the study consists in the theoretical understanding and determining the practical role and significance of cultural practices in the process of transforming tourist destinations. Conclusions. Ukrainian reality and world practices testify to active cultural transformations of tourist destinations. As custodians of cultural heritage, tourist destinations form the cultural space of the entire country. They are a concentration of cultures, a centre of cultural life of the state’s citizens, and a centre of tourism for representatives of other countries. An important tool for the qualitative transformation of the tourist destination functionality are cultural practices that are able to provide emotional recovery, establish rational communication and dialogue between all participants in the cultural process. As a cultural practice, intercultural dialogue is the most important value in solving the global problems of nowadays. The formation and development of a cultural landscape with unique cultural practices are the most important factors for preserving and restoring tourist destinations together with their values, which depend on national identity.