Both border towns – Zarasai in Lithuania and Kraslava in Latvia, experience periphery complex and lack of self-confidence as remote border towns, with comparably slow development and economy growth. Both towns' representatives agreed that it has something to do with IMAGE of the border towns in different stages of public administration.

The objective of the project is to increase attractiveness of border towns - Zarasai and Kraslava through creating regionally recognized unique brand New Quality Image. Read more

Both border towns – Zarasai in Lithuania and Kraslava in Latvia, experience periphery complex and lack of self-confidence as remote border towns, with comparably slow development and economy growth. Both towns' representatives agreed that it has something to do with IMAGE of the border towns in different stages of public administration.

The objective of the project is to increase attractiveness of border towns - Zarasai and Kraslava through creating regionally recognized unique brand New Quality Image.
The project activities include organization of image related integrated training for municipal specialists from different fields, also representatives from public organizations and private companies. In order to empower public administration structures, town planning instrument as town center design and landscaping plan, advertising in both border towns regulation will be prepared and confirmed. Also unified advertising stands, information stands, direction signs will be installed in order to implement concept of new quality image. "Sense of place" to each border town will be delivered after investment and reconstruction of central town areas - representational square in Zarasai and part of central square and Kraslava Castle complex in Kraslava. In order to promote New Quality Image publicity activities will be implemented- travelling youngster's photo exposition, regional Town IMAGE conference organized, border towns' photo album published, representational souvenir kit created.
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Within the Project:

• Inhabitants of Kraslava are very proud of their historical centre, how it is changed. Also many other reconstruction works implemented in town and in the Kraslava castle complex (central gate and stone fence in the Kraslava park; the grotto; the museums roof; the exhibition hall in the stables).

• Reconstruction of the physical condition of central town (downtown) area in Zarasai and Kraslava that heavily influences image and establishes identity of the towns are very important but not  the only visible project activities.

• Municipal websites of the both partners www.zarasai.lt and www.kraslava.lv were improved with the new image.  Residents and guests can now enjoy using the more comfortable and attractive websites.
• The work of city architects is very important for town planning and image development. In the frame of the project Zarasai and Kraslava municipalities obtained modern equipment as computer with necessary Software for architects and plotter. With this particular equipment municipal architects will be able to actively participate in town planning process - prepare small-scale town planing documents, recommendations and concepts for the development of particular area and forming general image of the town in the future. The equipment will also be used after the implementation of the project and help to implement New Quality Image concept.
• New image of the border towns depends very much on young generation, therefore youngsters as one of project target groups were involved in image development process. Youngsters' photo contest "My border town image"  was organized in the border region. The winners of the contest were nominated and congratulated. Youngsters' photo exhibitions in Zarasai and Kraslava organized. Youngster from Kraslava participated in the opening of the travelling photo exhibition in Zarasai and youngsters from Zarasai participated in the opening of travelling photo exhibition in Kraslava.  During the meetings in both tows young people were highly involved in the discussion what should the image of their town be like.

Krāslavas novada dome

Rigas 51, Kraslava, LV-5601, Latvia Tel.: +37165681769 Fax: +37165681772 Website: www.kraslava.lv Contact person: Inara Dzalbe E-mail: inara@kraslava.apollo.lv