The project
Gjirokastra
is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southern Albania; a historic Ottoman influenced town built around a 13th century castle. Its 43,000
residents include Albanian, Greek, Vlach and Roma
communities. The area has a rich textile
history, with much of the production of costume and textiles traditionally
undertaken by women. However, in recent decades many of these traditional
skills have been dying out. The project will be based at the Ethnographic Museum which holds
outstanding costume and textile collections.
The building is currently threatened due to roof leaks and structural
problems. Likewise objects are suffering
due to lack of resources.
Our partner organisation, is planning a project to
revitalise the wool processing industry in this area. The aim of this project
is to increase the
quality of textile handcrafts and to develop new products based on wool that
can be sold in the Artisan Centre in Gjirokastra.
In March 2013 HWB
will be running a pilot project with the following key objectives:
- Specialist training for regional museum
professionals in textile conservation and interpretation; and
- practical improvements to the historical collection
of textiles in Ethnographic Museum of Gjirokastra.
The project is made possible by a generous grant from the Clothworkers
Foundation.
Duties
HWB is currently putting together a team of
volunteers who will be responsible for training individuals as well as working
on practical interpretation projects on site.
The project will involve:
-
Planning a training programme;
-
Delivering training to the course
participants in the principles of interpretation and ways of engaging audiences
with displays and collections;
-
Improving the interpretation of
a range of textiles;
-
Engaging local craftswomen;
-
Helping to set out an
achievable strategic plan for long-term interpretation in the Museum with
regards to textiles;
-
Documenting work completed with
reports and photography;
-
Providing insight into interpretation
needs and potential follow up projects in the region; and
-
Evaluating the programme by
blogging, keeping a diary, participating in follow up discussions.
Person specification
HWB is looking for highly motivated individuals who are excited about
communicating interpretation across cultures and working on-site. We are looking for applicants with relevant
higher education training and substantial experience of interpretation. The skills we are seeking include:
-
Understanding issues around the
interpretation of conflict and ethnographic objects, particularly recent
conflict;
-
Excellent communication skills,
interpersonal and written;
-
Sensitivity to cultural
difference
-
Motivated self-starters who can
pitch in with a range of tasks;
-
Team players;
-
Language skills in Kosovan, Serbian,
Croatian, Bosnian, Macedonian or Albanian are not necessary, but would be an
asset; and
-
Enthusiasm for working
internationally.
Training
Heritage Without Borders values the
volunteer experience. To that end, we
will equip all volunteers with detailed information about the project before
going. Volunteers must be available for
a pre-departure meeting. HWB will fund
the successful applicants’ travel and subsistence costs. HWB does not pay volunteers for their
time.
Timings
The on-site workshop will be 10 days and
will take place between 31 March – 9 April.
The successful candidate must be available for the duration of the
project. Travel to and from Gjirokastra
may require additional days before and after the project. These will be confirmed at a later date in
cooperation with the successful candidates.
How to apply
UK residents only are eligible to apply
Submit a CV and covering letter via
email
Deadline:
6 December 2013
Any
questions about the role can be emailed to: info@heritagewithoutborders.org
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