Bylis Archeological Park, October 22, 2025_The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), in partnership with the European Union and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport held today a public event at the Bylis Archeological Park to celebrate the project “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs)”, funded by the EU and implemented by AICS in partnership with The British Council and UNESCO.
During the event, 12 grantees of the project showcased funded activities in front of a large public, with a significant participation of local community of Mallakaster. Local music, dance and a traditional buffet completed a coloured and happy celebration of “CC4WBS”, a regional programme aimed at fostering cultural and creative sector in the region, with a direct support to small organizations, municipalities, NGOs and different actors to enhance professional skills, regional cooperation and intercultural dialogue.
The Bylis Archeological Park provided a beautiful location, where a second development project – funded by the EU delegation in Albania and implemented by AICS Tirana – is currently on-going to support restoration and promotional activities for both Bylis and Klos Parks, in direct partnership with local communities.
Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of the EU delegation in Albania, highlighted that “the European Union engage in the cultural sector not only to preserve places like the Bylis Archaeological Park and living traditions such as the polyphonic music but also to help revitalise communities – opening new perspectives and opportunities for development, particularly in tourism – while keeping it sustainable. Culture is also a way of understanding our many layers of identity; this helps us overcome the mental and physical barriers between peoples and countries. Diversity is our wealth but is also what unites us in the EU”.
Stefania Vizzaccaro, AICS Tirana Head of Office, stated in her speech: “CC4WBs makes me proud, above all, because it’s a regional initiative, bringing together national cultures and agendas, and aiming to create a network. Just as we are, AICS Tirana, a Regional office operating in all the Western Balkan countries”.
