Cseri Miklós - Bereczki Iboly - Kovács Zsuzsa (szerk.): Ház és ember, A Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum évkönyve 21. (Szentendre, Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum, 2009)

SZABADTÉRI MUZEOLÓGIA 40 ÉVE MAGYARORSZÁGON - Sári Zsolt: Skanzenek és európai együttműködések – A Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum Cult-Rural projektje

Zsolt Sári Skanzens and their cooperation in Europe with special regard to the Cult-Rural project Open air museums are promoting mutual international cooperation at different levels since their foundations. International contacts develop mainly with similar museums. Historically we talk about three main periods: the time of socialism, the period between 1990 and 2004 and the years after Hungary has joined the European Union in 2004. We know different levels of international cooperation: 1. unilateral relationships Unilateral relationships are suitable to improve the image of a country, of a museum. The Hungarian cultural offer implies two main activities: partly those of the Hungarian cultural institutions abroad (with permanent, complex programs), partly the so-called 'Hungarian seasons' during several months presenting a series of cultural programs. 2. bilateral relationships Bilateral relationships are based on the decision of two sovereign partners. They are normally confirmed officially in form of cooperation agreements. Bilateral relationships are diverse, including study trips, exhibitions or participation in conferences. 3. multilateral relationships Multilateral relationships are built upon bilateral contacts, when these are further developed. This kind of cooperation has become more intensive after Hungary's admission to the EU. We have more and more possibilities for cooperation, since applications for the most tenders or finance funds within the EU can be submitted jointly with other institutions. The Hungarian Open Air museum submitted its first application for an EU tender in 2006 jointly with seven institutions from six countries. This is the Cult-Rural project. The rural heritage is a very important aspect of the European culture, which has to be protected and preserved. Besides, the rural heritage may teach important lessons to our society - with regard to cultural and environmental aspects too. Let me mention here the traditional means of using natural resources and their exploiting technologies, which may encourage today's energy saving efforts; or the continuity and function of the rural cultural heritage, being a source of identity and cohesion in the community, which means a further challenge of the globalising culture. 267