Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Kosovo signs to support Hivzi Sylejmani Library renovations
Yesterday, on the 26th of January 2022, the Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Kosovo signed the generous support of €300,000 for the transformation of the Hivzi Sylejmani Library which will become one of the leading venues of Manifesta 14 Prishtina.
In a meeting held at the Municipality of Prishtina, the newly elected Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama, Manifesta’s Founding Director, Hedwig Fijen, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kosovo, Maria Suokko, and the Head of Mission of the Embassy of Luxembourg in Kosovo, Natacha Gomes, discussed in detail the importance of the collaboration and their dedication to renovating and revitalising the Hivzi Sylejmani Library, creating a refurbished community-led cultural hub for the citizens of Prishtina.
Natacha Gomes, Head of Mission of the Embassy of Luxembourg, Kosovo
“Bringing Manifesta to Prishtina is a milestone for Kosovo and for the entire region, one which Luxembourg is very proud to contribute to! Together with our partners Manifesta 14, the Municipality of Prishtina and UNDP, we are building a community space, fostering creativity, and creating opportunities for the population, that will last well beyond Manifesta 14. Hosting Manifesta 14 will showcase what Prishtina has to offer and help establish its position as a true European capital.”
Hedwig Fijen, Founding Director Manifesta
“We are extremely proud and delighted that the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which was the Host country of Manifesta 2 in 1998, has become Manifesta’s partner yet again, this time joining Manifesta 14’s efforts to create a long-term legacy of Manifesta in the shape of a cultural and educational space for communities from Kosovo and beyond.”
Maria Suokko, Resident Representative, UNDP in Kosovo
“We are committed to bringing our experience in restoring and rehabilitating cultural heritage sites and will join Manifesta in transforming the Hivzi Sylejmani Library into an interdisciplinary lab that will foster creativity and innovation, a hub that will bring together people from all communities and backgrounds. In the restoration process, we will use traditional and sustainable materials, and innovative solutions to express the library’s new
identity. We will leverage on our global network and partnerships in contributing to Manifesta 14 in establishing and operating the space – ultimately, promoting future jobs through creative industries.”
Përparim Rama, Mayor of Prishtina, Kosovo
“I am happy that Manifesta and the Embassy of Luxembourg have joined forces to help create an exceptional cultural programme at the Hivzi Sylejmani Library. Hivzi Sylemani is in itself a building that expresses the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Prishtina. The Municipality of Prishtina is delighted to partner in this endeavour, that sees both the preservation of the building, and the creation of a special educational programme that will continue to develop in the years to come, contributing to the enrichment of our local communities.”