Fortress of Culture Šibenik in Karlovac at the GIFTSnet project meeting!
As part of the GIFTSnet project (Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions), the second project meeting and the first partner gathering of the GIFTS Network were held on 5 June 2025 at Edison Cinema in Karlovac.
In the first part of the programme, a working meeting was held with the project partners – Fortress of Culture Šibenik (HR), City of Banja Luka (BiH), Municipality of Bar (MNE), City of Karlovac (HR), Herzegovina Museum Trebinje (BiH), and Municipality of Ulcinj (MNE). The main topics were: a review of project implementation, exchange of experiences, and the evaluation of the Night of Fortresses 2025 event.
In the second part, dedicated to the development of the GIFTS Network, participants were welcomed by Ivana Fočić, Deputy Mayor of Karlovac. In addition to the partners, the meeting was also attended by cultural stakeholders from Karlovac County, representatives of institutions involved in the Night of Fortresses event, and other actors interested in cooperation in the field of cultural tourism.
During the meeting, Fortress of Culture Šibenik and the Herzegovina Museum Trebinje presented projects implemented within their institutions. Đurđa Vrljević Šarić gave an introductory presentation on the establishment of the GIFTS Network – a European platform that brings together cultural stakeholders with the aim of exchanging knowledge and developing sustainable solutions in cultural heritage management. It was emphasized that the network is open to new members, who can apply via the form on the Night of Fortresses Goes Green website. A series of cross-border capacity building workshops was also announced. The first one, focusing on "Sustainable Management of Cultural Tourism Destinations and Events", will take place in October 2025 in Šibenik.
In the final part of the meeting, Vera Jergović from Fortress of Culture Šibenik presented the Branding Strategy for the Night of Fortresses, as well as the vision for the further development of the brand through cooperation within the network.
The programme concluded with a visit to the Old Town of Dubovac, including expert guidance and presentation of good practices in the preservation and promotion of local cultural heritage.
About the GIFTSnet Project
The GIFTSnet project (Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions) started on 15 September 2024 and will run until 14 March 2027. The lead partner is Fortress of Culture Šibenik, with partners: City of Banja Luka, Municipality of Bar, City of Karlovac, Herzegovina Museum Trebinje, and Municipality of Ulcinj. The total value of the project is EUR 2,244,442.80, of which 85% is co-financed by the Interreg IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 programme.
