Project, Presentation
The Franco-Swiss Interreg project ARC HORLOGER was born from the desire of watchmaking and art mechanics know-how holders to perpetuate and promote their practices, which were inscribed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO) list in December 2020.
The aim of ARC HORLOGER is to bring together the various know-how holders in a common structure on a permanent basis, to support them in the preservation and transmission of their practices, some of which are centuries old, and to valorize this exceptional treasure of cultural heritage.
ARC HORLOGER 2020-2022 (AH 20-22)
AH 20-22 enabled the first steps to be taken towards the creation of the expected coordination structure and to embody the UNESCO Inscription towards the partners.
By setting up and using effective communication tools (visual identity, website, newsletters, social networks), AH 20-22 was able to bring to life the network of participants communities. It also enhanced and promoted the know-how involved amongst the general public.
Finally, AH 20-22 has carried out or coordinated various preservation measures. It has organised an annual forum to discuss issues of transmission, compiled a directory of documentary resources and supported the Transmissions exhibition, ---presented in 2021-2022 at the Musée du Temps in Besançon and the Musée international d'horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
ARC HORLOGER 2023-2025 (AH 23-25)
AH 23-25 is continuing the project at its initiated momentum and aims to complete a certain number of realizations. This includes setting up the coordination structure, a major challenge, the creation of which requires numerous administrative actions and negotiations.
In 2023-2024, the project's communication will be stepped up, by optimising the use of the digital tools that have been put in place (website, newsletters, social networks), producing a popularisation publication and rolling it out on an international scale.
With regard to preservation measures, AH 23-25 is also seeking to expand its activities: it is continuing to organise a Forum aimed at passing on know-how and is currently developing various projects (directory of know-how holders, know-how observatory) to increase its knowledge of professional skills and, consequently, take targeted measures.
The ARC HORLOGER project is supported by the European cross-border cooperation programme Interreg Switzerland-France 2021-2027, and has received a European grant (European Regional Development Fund) covering 80% of the total French cost, and grants from the Swiss Confederation and the Cantons of Berne, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel and Vaud covering 80% of the total Swiss cost.
