The objective of the pilot is to preserve and revitalize the traditional craft of Bihor carpet weaving by enabling intergenerational knowledge transfer, increasing community engagement, and promoting cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable local development and tourism in Petnjica.

The pilot “Training the new generation of Bihor carpet weavers by old generation craftsmen” focuses on revitalizing traditional weaving techniques and motifs by connecting experienced master weavers with younger generations. The training is organized in two parallel locations – the Petnjica Elementary School and the premises of the NGO Bihorski Ćilim. Two sets of looms and necessary materials are provided for a ten-month practical program combining manual and digital learning methods. Participants include school students, women, and unemployed youth. Throughout the workshops, new carpet models are created based on traditional designs, while the process is documented in digital manuals and video materials used for education and promotion. These activities contribute to preserving weaving skills, encouraging intergenerational learning, and increasing the visibility of Bihor’s cultural heritage as part of Petnjica’s tourism and local development potential.

The pilot project will bring tangible results, including eight unique Bihor carpets, digital manuals, video materials and a local base of weavers-carriers of the weaving skill. Intangible results include strengthened community ties, renewed interest of young people in traditional crafts, improved skills and increased visibility of Petnjica’s cultural heritage as a sustainable tourism asset.