On 20 July 2026, the closing and professional event of the “Gates and Bridges” project took place at Sarajet e Toptanëve in Tirana. The project was implemented by MeWe Association in cooperation with the National Centre of Traditional Activities, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Following the festive and educational programme for children and families, the event continued with the presentation of the illustrated guide “Gates and Bridges” and a panel discussion with experts in the field of cultural heritage.

The event was conceived as a space for reflection on the ways in which art, education and institutional cooperation can contribute to creating living heritage that is accessible to younger generations.

One of the main topics of discussion was the role of educational illustration in presenting tangible and intangible heritage. Through illustration, history and visual storytelling, children can engage with complex historical and cultural concepts in a way that is more accessible, engaging and emotionally meaningful.

The guide “Doors and Bridges” explores heritage through two powerful concepts. The door as a symbol of hospitality, openness and connection with others. The bridge as a symbol of connection, passage and communication between people, places and generations.

These concepts were discussed in relation to the Albanian tradition of hospitality and Besa, as well as the ways in which cultural heritage can continue to be interpreted and remain alive in contemporary contexts.

Another important topic was the role of house museums in preserving and revitalising historic places. The Kadare House Museum, the Agolli House Museum and Sarajet e Toptanëve were discussed as case studies of how historic spaces can become more accessible to the public and, particularly, to younger generations.

In this context, the importance of creating educational corners and formats within heritage institutions and spaces was also explored. The goal is not only to preserve historic buildings and objects, but also to create new relationships between these places and the communities that visit them.

The event also addressed the importance of cooperation between institutions, non-governmental organisations and artists. The “Doors and Bridges” project represents a model of collaboration in which expertise, creativity and institutional engagement come together to create new forms of cultural heritage education and communication.

The choice of Sarajet e Toptanëve as the venue was an important part of this narrative. Connected to one of the most influential families in the history of Tirana, the historic house itself became part of the project’s message.

A house with doors and spaces that have witnessed history was transformed into a meeting point between the past and the future, creating a symbolic bridge between generations.

Through “Gates and Bridges”, Family Art Guides continues to develop a new approach to cultural education: one that places children at its centre while also creating spaces for dialogue between artists, institutions, experts and communities.

Because heritage is not only what we preserve. It is also what we succeed in passing on to future generations.