On April 5, 2025, the DGTRAN project, Digital Transformation for Cultural Heritage Capacity Building in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine, supported by the Creative Europe Programme, held a vibrant press conference. The event was organized by the Volyn Foundation at the Museum Space “Okolny Castle” in Lutsk. This became a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the project and connect with colleagues, partners, and local stakeholders who share a passion for cultural heritage.

The day began with the registration of participants, followed by a relaxed coffee break. It was a great moment to reconnect, share ideas, and enjoy some informal conversations before the official program began.

The press conference opened with warm welcome speeches from Kateryna Moisiiuk, Head of the Department of Tourism and City Promotion at Lutsk City Council. Then, Viktor Baiuk, Director of the Historical and Cultural Reserve “Old Lutsk,” took the floor. Mykola Ulyanov, Head of the EU “Creative Europe” Programme Bureau in Ukraine, participated online. They discussed the importance of digital tools in preserving and promoting cultural heritage. They also expressed gratitude to the DGTRAN team for their outstanding work in bringing the project to life.

One of the key moments was the presentation from the Volyn Foundation team. Anna Danylchuk and Marta Sydoruk shared the results of the “Belt of Vytautas” project. They also talked about the role of Vytautas the Great in the medieval history of Ukraine. As the project coordinators, they facilitate international networking, collaborate across fields, and actively engage in transnational initiatives to bring Ukrainian heritage into the European context.

Partners from Lithuania also shared their experiences and contributions. Simonas Teskevicius from the Educational Research and Innovation Institute (Lithuania) presented their parts of the project, offering valuable insights about the role of Vytautas the Great in forming the Lithuanian nation and his impact on Poland and Ukraine.

One of the speeches came from Oksana Shtanko, a researcher of Lutsk’s urban history and Head of the Research and Exhibition Department of the Museum Space “Okolny Castle.” Her presentation about Vytautas the Great and the Congress of Lutsk in 1429 added a rich historical layer to the event, reminding us of the deep European roots of cooperation, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.

The event ended on a high note with a presentation by Andriy Hryvniak from Skeiron, who demonstrated how AR and VR are helping breathe new life into historic sites, making it possible to “travel in time” using just a smartphone.

After the official part, all participants had a chance to experience the technology firsthand, exploring digitized cultural heritage objects through VR headsets. This hands-on experience proved how history can be made more accessible, immersive, and engaging for modern audiences.

The press conference reminded us why this project matters and highlighted the importance of launching more similar projects. It’s about preserving the past, using the tools of today, and building something meaningful together for the future.

We’re grateful to all participants who shared this day with us!