Despite a calm start to the year following a busy 2024, ID20 Institute is preparing numerous events this year that will highlight cultural heritage in Idrija and across Slovenia. We especially emphasize two major festivals - the Idrija Žlikrofi Festival in August and the Industrial Culture Festival "Betrib" in October, the latter being part of the official program of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025.
This year, the Idrija Žlikrofi Festival will take place on Saturday, August 23. Once again, the spotlight will be on Idrija žlikrofi, which will attract numerous visitors to Idrija. This year, we aim to further enrich the already rich offer and enhance the accompanying program, which will be spiced up by musical guests.
Bringing Industrial Culture Closer to Families
In October, we will organize the Industrial Culture Festival "Betrib," which we host every two years. This year, it will be part of the official program of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025. With the festival, we aim to enhance the already rich tourist offer in the field of industrial culture. This year's program will place greater emphasis on the accompanying program for children and youth, aiming to bring it closer to families and thus contribute to the popularization of industrial heritage and culture.

Young Artist from Africa will come to Idrija
At the end of May 2025, we will also organize our first residency, featuring young artist Hugo Kabeya from Congo at Hiša Giser. During his one-week stay in Idrija, he will familiarize himself with Idrija's rich cultural heritage and incorporate elements of tangible heritage into his artistic creation. The artist primarily focuses on post-colonialism and the feeling of loss of space and identity due to the ruthless exploitation of rich ore deposits that marked his childhood in Congo.
New Heritage Content on the Duri Platform
Our activities this year will also focus on popularizing cultural heritage throughout Slovenia. We were successful in the Ministry of Public Administration's call, which opens the way for the development of new heritage content that we will develop together with our partners. Among other things, as part of the "Smer" project, we will upgrade the existing heritage platform Duri, continue with the podcast "Odstrta dediščina," prepare a tourist offer for the elderly, participate in a heritage bazaar, and prepare a new heritage barometer.
Second Life of Cultural Heritage
Another very interesting project is on the horizon. As part of the "Drugo življenje" project, supported by Eko sklad, we will conduct workshops on the sustainable renovation of tangible cultural heritage (e.g., old furniture from before World War II) in collaboration with the Idrija Youth Center and prepare a long-term plan for establishing a Reuse Center in Idrija.
The "Drugo življenje" project ties into our work on the "Planet Pulse" project, co-financed under the Erasmus+ program. We will publish a guide for young people on coping with climate change anxiety and prepare an online course on the topic.
Culinary Experiences in the Spotlight Again
From spring onwards, we will continue the theatrical-culinary experience "O, sonce moje." This way, you can step into the world of the mining family Črv and learn about their daily life while also stepping into the culinary world of Idrija's kitchen from 100 years ago.

2025 will also be marked by our GO! Pasta trailer, which will be featured at numerous events across Slovenia and Italy. We especially highlight the celebration of Europe Day, during which žlikrofi and Italian cjarsoni makers will be presented in Nova Gorica. We will also organize two events for master chefs in Gorizia. The activities will be part of the official program of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025.
Long-term Vision for Cultural Heritage
Our activities in 2025 will be in line with our long-term goals, within which we aim for Hiša Giser to become a community center that, in addition to tourist offerings, will provide heritage content for the wider local community. We also pay special attention to culinary offerings, especially Idrija žlikrofi, which are becoming ambassadors of Slovenian cuisine. The rich industrial heritage of Idrija remains at the forefront – we want it to become and remain a unique and attractive city based on specific (industrial) culture.