The LOKAL initiative, funded by the EEA Grants Fund for Bilateral Relations, came to an end on December 31, 2024. The project, the result of an innovative partnership between Mag Marques de Aguiar (MAG) from Portugal and Fri Musikk Kvinnherad (FRI) from Norway, successfully achieved its goals of promoting a stronger cultural connection and sense of belonging between communities and their places, as well as fostering sustainable tourism. With over 281 participants, the local communities of Pedrógão Grande and Oleiros, integrated into the Museu Experimenta Paisagem in Portugal, and of Kvinnherad in Norway, are now playing an active role in transforming their cultural and economic realities.
In Pedrógão Grande and Oleiros, with the support of the respective municipalities, young community members participated in workshops for the creation of short films that document local heritage and stories through playful processes blending fiction and documentary. These films are part of the Cultural Trails of the Museu Experimenta Paisagem (MEP), which are currently under development. They will allow visitors to engage with the region’s history through QR codes placed along the trail. This project has given young people the opportunity to be directly involved in the revitalization of their territory, strengthening their sense of belonging and enabling them to reclaim their places.
The Cultural Trails have become a new tourism product of the Museu Experimenta Paisagem, combining artistic creation, educational programs, and sustainable tourism practices. Through immersive and in-depth research in the territories with experts and residents, and by involving young people, the trails foster dialogue within the community and strengthen local identities. The workshops held in both countries provided participants with essential tools to contribute to local economies, offering a model of tourism that directly benefits the communities involved.
In Kvinnherad, the success of the Lokalhistorisk Filmkurs workshops and MAG’s activities enabled local students to create artistic objects and films that reflect local history, which were presented to the community in an exhibition at Malmanger School. This event served as a platform for discussions on how culture and tourism can join forces to create sustainable economic opportunities.
The Conference on the new experiences of the Museu Experimenta Paisagem and the open call “Invitation to Participate – Lokal” also played a crucial role in promoting dialogue between local governments, cultural institutions, and the community. Experts, residents, providers, and administrators shared their knowledge on how to develop sustainable tourism strategies and create cultural products that are meaningful both for locals and for visitors.
The initiative is already having a lasting impact. Local communities are now more engaged not only in preserving their heritage but also in shaping their future by learning new skills and developing innovative tourism models. The success of the LOKAL project has sparked discussions about future collaborations between MAG and FRI, as well as expanding these practices to other municipalities and countries.
Alongside the project’s growth, the Cultural Trails are becoming an international reference in sustainable tourism and cultural development guided by the values of the Museu Experimenta Paisagem. The initiative has shown that by working together, it is possible to revitalize communities most in need, combat depopulation, and create a thriving cultural and tourism ecosystem for the future.