A holiday fair blending creativity and tradition.

Between December 14 and 24, 2024, Idrija hosted the Lipa rič holiday fair, bringing together 16 local creators and delighting numerous visitors. This year, the event was supported by Zavod ID20 and served as a continuation of entrepreneurship training within the Forma Rural project.

Holiday fair in the heart of Idrija

For nine days, a pop-up shop operated in a currently vacant retail space at Mestni trg 3, where local creators from Društvo Lipa rič showcased their unique products. Visitors could find one-of-a-kind gifts among wool accessories, lace, natural cosmetics, ceramics, and jewelry. The selection was complemented by festive teas, wine, coffee, and chocolate, adding to the holiday atmosphere.

Products at the Lipa rič holiday fair.

From Workshops to the Fair

In the autumn of 2024, Zavod ID20 organized a series of workshops aimed at developing entrepreneurial, digital, and marketing skills. The participants applied their newly acquired knowledge in social media, photography, marketing, and networking to the organization of the holiday fair. This event demonstrated how effectively new skills can contribute to the development of local initiatives and the confident translation of ideas into practice.

Participants in the entrepreneurial workshops.

Learning Resources for Cultural Creators

As part of the Forma Rural project, we developed six pedagogical materials behind the scenes of the workshops, aimed at fostering entrepreneurial ideas and promoting local products. In collaboration with mentors from across Slovenia, participants gained valuable knowledge in cultural entrepreneurship, digital tools, photography, and marketing. These skills form a crucial foundation for creators looking to connect heritage with contemporary practices.

Collaboration for the Success of Local Initiatives

The conclusion of the Forma Rural project was enriched by the collaboration of various partners who contributed to the implementation of the workshops and the fair. Special thanks go to the mentors who selflessly shared their knowledge: Žan Menart, Matevž Strauss, Klara Avsenik Žagar, Mateja Bizjak (ICRA), Kati Sekirnik (DUO Škofja Loka), and Maja Modrijan (Destilator). The success of the event is primarily thanks to the organizers, Društvo Lipa rič, and the supporting organizations of the fair, ICRA, the Municipality of Idrija, and the Idrija Tourist Board. The project proves that collaboration is key to the sustainable development of local initiatives.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.