Reflections on the conclusion of two Erasmus+ projects: BACH and Revintage

In the past month, Quiosq proudly marked the successful completion of its involvement in two impactful Erasmus+ projects—BACH and Revintage. The final assessments for both projects were very positive, underscoring the dedication and innovative approaches employed by all partners. Now that these projects have been concluded, I’d like to offer some reflections.

Sustainability

BACH, a project focusing on sustainable management techniques in the cultural sector, culminated in the creation of a comprehensive manual and a practical toolkit. The project received compliments for its innovation and the potential transferability of its results within the sector. Revintage, led by Quiosq, aimed to preserve post-war interiors through a specialized package designed for the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. The project gained praise for its strategic connections with sector representatives and its original approach, addressing a clear need identified by evaluators.

As the project leader for Revintage, Quiosq reflects proudly on the successful navigation of a complex undertaking. However, the completion of these projects prompts contemplation on lessons learned and avenues for improvement, along with insights for others in the Erasmus+ community.

Audiences and partners

Firstly, the need to consider a target group with limited time resources becomes apparent. Sectors such as education are often burdened with constant demands, leaving little room for contemplating innovations. One is regularly confronted with reactions such as: “We find this all very interesting and relevant and will certainly get back to it”. At that point you often already know that it apparently hasn’t grasped its intended audience. Convincing that target audience necessitates a thorough understanding of their challenges, preparing for potential setbacks, and having contingency plans in place.

Secondly, the importance of selecting partners with genuine commitment to the project’s objectives is emphasized. Rushing through the partner selection process can lead to sub-optimal collaborations. Only collaborating organizations who are wholeheartedly dedicated to the project’s content, demonstrated through past engagements and active contributions to proposals, should be considered. A positive final evaluation of a project is nice, but it is even nicer if you can conclude afterwards that all partners have contributed equally to it.

Engagement

Thirdly, the significance of direct engagement with the target group is underscored. Beyond social media promotion, organizing face-to-face meetings and training sessions involving learners fosters a deeper connection. Learners’ enthusiasm is contagious, and their questions provide valuable insights that can be used to refine the project. When it comes to the BACH project, I think back most positively to the three days we spent in Rome working together with representatives of small museums in the region. That is who we did it for! Embracing vulnerability and adapting the project based on such direct feedback is crucial for success.

In conclusion, Quiosq – and I – acknowledge the wealth of knowledge gained from these projects and express a continued commitment to advancing cultural heritage and identity in a European context. The organization remains open to new project ideas from readers, eager to contribute to the ongoing dialogue and development within the Erasmus+ community.

Bob Crezee

 

Cover image by John Schnobrich on Unsplash.