The project known as the 'cultural heritage ambulance' completes its first phase

"To prevent heritage from losing its pulse" - this is the aim of the FIXUS Mobilis team, which has been successfully operating in Lithuania for three years now, taking care of the preventive maintenance of cultural heritage objects. The activity is similar to that of doctors: they go to see the patients - cultural objects; they are given the most appropriate treatment - preventive maintenance work is carried out; and finally, recommendations are made on how to continue the maintenance of the object in the future. 

The project has been successfully implemented since 2019 by a joint team of the Centre for Cultural Heritage and the Centre for Cultural Infrastructure, under the supervision of the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA). The project is funded by the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism's Culture Programme. 

24 November the FIXUS Mobilis team presented the final results of the first phase of the project. In total, 11 preventive maintenance specialists worked in three mobile inspection teams over three years, preventive maintenance works were carried out at 200 selected objects in various locations, even in the most remote parts of Lithuania, 7 practical trainings and public presentations were organised, 30 regional consultations were held, and educational leaflets on the maintenance of cultural heritage were prepared. 

During the presentation of the FIXUS Mobilis activities, the project team members once again reminded the importance of preventive maintenance of cultural heritage in order to avoid damaging, time-consuming and costly breaches in the future. 

John Grimbsy, a guest from Norway, representing the Kirkevakta preventive maintenance project for churches, which is one of the FIXUS Mobilis partners, highlighted the benefits of the narrative created by such projects. The guest said that preventive maintenance work not only stimulates interest and knowledge about the historic building and its maintenance, but also builds a sense of identity and community. 

The follow-up phase of the project will start in January next year. 350 objects will be selected for preventive maintenance, their user will be consulted. The Ministry of Culture has committed to ensuring the continuation of the project for another five years. 

Presentation of FIXUS Mobilis activities