International workcamps in the field of the protection and conservation of cultural property are short-term projects during which participants from various countries work on objects or issues connected with a common cultural heritage of the nations of Europe.
The first workcamps were organized as a response to the enormous devastation caused by the First World War. The citizens of countries at odds with each other together rebuilt towns and villages that had been damaged or turned to rubble and gave aid to civilians in need of help. From this time on workcamps became a symbol of international solidarity and responsibility for the fate of ones neighbours.
Part of the memoria. programme run by the Stefan Batory Foundation is to award grants for international workcamps aimed at protecting and conserving cultural property in the border regions of Central and Eastern Europe. During the workcamps the volunteers carry out clearance and conservational work on local historical objects, work in archives and cultural institutions and also organize cultural and educational events, actively involving local communities in their activities. The invitation to apply for grants based on merit is extended to non government institutions in Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania which have experience in working with older children and a wide understanding of the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. More information on the merited based awarding of grants is available in this year’s announcement.
