Capacity Building Academy VII

The next Capacity Building Academy was organized by the Public Institute for Culture and Tourism ‘Nice and Homely’. Based in the Municipality of Ivančna Gorica, Slovenia, the institute aims to use culture and tourism to connect people, organizations and the local community. They are responsible for two cultural sites: the Carniolan Bee House in Višnja Gora and an open-air museum, the Jurčič Homestead, in Muljava.

During the capacity-building session, Nice and Homely addressed the question of how to utilise both tangible and intangible heritage in a modern and innovative way. Beekeeping has a long history in the local area and is an integral part of local identity. By transforming the old school building, which had been standing empty, into the Carniolan Bee House, the institute was able to bring new life to a historic place of learning and simultaneously preserve local beekeeping heritage.

The Carniolan Bee House now hosts a wide range of attractions for both local residents and tourists: an interactive exhibition, an innovative hostel, a cafe, a tourist information centre, a lecture hall for events and the ApiLab Innovation Technology Centre for small and medium-sized businesses. The project was funded by the state of Slovenia and the Municipality of Ivančna Gorica.

The case study presentation showed CAST partners how a new story and the immersive reuse of a historic space can power a community hub. Partners also had the opportunity to visit Višnja Gora during a study visit in June 2025, which served as an excellent opportunity to witness first-hand the outcome of this approach.

Banner photo credit: Klemen Ceglar