Public institute for culture Kamnik
Polčeva pot 10, 1241 Kamnik, Slovenia
Irena Gajšek
info@samostanmekinje.si
Introduction
Public Institute of Culture Kamnik (KAMNIK) is a leading cultural organization in Slovenia, managing key cultural sites such as the House of Culture Kamnik, the Cultural and Creative Quarter Barutana, and the Mekinje Monastery. Kamnik is a nationally recognized tourist destination with a rich cultural and creative industries (CCI) ecosystem, combining traditional crafts, folklore, and heritage-based tourism. KAMNIK actively collaborates with local stakeholders, including folklore associations and rural women’s groups, to preserve cultural traditions and promote local products, while fostering entrepreneurship and market opportunities in the heritage and cultural sector.
Thematic relevance
Within this project, KAMNIK will strengthen the heritage-based Doroteja brand, named after abbess Doroteja Sidonija Gallenberg, to valorize local monastery-related food, herbal, and cosmetic products. Activities include educational events on production techniques, entrepreneurial skills, and knowledge sharing to sustain local craftsmanship. Drawing on experience from national and EU projects, including StimulArt Central Europe and Samostan – mesto srečevanj, KAMNIK will enhance cultural tourism, improve marketability of heritage products, and foster community collaboration. By integrating local traditions, crafts, and tourism, the institute aims to create new products, attract visitors, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Kamnik’s cultural heritage.