TEHIC-Handbook_of_best_practices

122 TEHIC Towards a European Heritage Interpretation Curriculum 7.1.2. Istria Inspirit Sustainability Sustainability, besides quality, originality and innovation is the credo of every action un - dertaken by Istria Inspirit. For decades, tourism significantly changed the way of life in Istria (for better mostly or for worse). Istria Inspirit started with the idea of finding inno - vative ways to involve diverse stakeholders in today dominant tourism industry, and with the aim of conveying the idea to stakeholders and creating with them stories of the des - tinations. Furthermore, the goal, reached, but still constantly evolving, is the active networking of all interested people creating a constructive collaboration to create tourist destinations: family farm households, students, local communities, actors, artists and musicians, craftsmen and local tourist boards. All of them might obtain tangible benefits. 2. Community engagement Degree of engagement Co-creation: Ideas for any new ‘experience’ and interrelated performances always come from a mem - ber of a local community. It could be another legend or story which any local farmer, artist or craftsman whispered around, or something on which the Istria Inspirit team (with the help of scholars) made research and checked in within local communities. Participation: Participation of local people is always included in Istria Inspirit performances. Not only on their planning but as well as in its implementation. Since the very beginning of the Pro - ject, this included top-quality art performers with multiple skills, talents and abilities such as acting, music, dancing, juggling, walking on sticks, fire-eating, silk dance etc. so the audience can enjoy a comprehensive interactive experience of the living history concept. But it also involves the audience(s) itself in a performance that requires both, the per- formers and everyone who is involved and can add any ability to improvise and adapt to each experience in a different fashion. Assistance: As a public body (the Administrative Department for Tourism of the Region of Istria in cooperation with the Istrian Tourism Development Agency (IRTA) and the Istria Tourist Board) Istria Inspirit has a mission to serve the common good of all Istrian citizens. Istra Inspirit is doing its best efforts by conveying stories, myths, and legends in a professional way in the form of a creative interpretation of cultural heritage. But it would be impossi - ble to do so without a cross-sectoral cooperation, without all professionals (foremost actors and musicians, and other performers) as well as numerous associations and