The cultural epicentre in the small village on the edge of the small town
Time doesn't flow if you don't dream, concludes Olive, the fourth master in the novel My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk. As the renovated Škrabec Homestead complex moves through the milestones that marked our decisions and actions taken in rejuvenating the last 200 years of history, I contemplate the nobility and, at the same time, responsibility of the task of putting time in the perspectives of the future.
Seventeen years ago, when we invited our first guests to the renovated old house of the Škrabec Homestead, which offers an authentic representation of the past that took place in a small village on the outskirts of a small town, our ambitions were rather modest: To protect the heritage, to integrate tradition into Riko’s business activities and to create a place for inspiring meetings with our business guests. When the old house was brought to life by the extraordinary interest of visitors, the dilapidated timber-framed barn was a new challenge and an opportunity to expand cultural offerings and Riko’s brands. After its renovation ten years ago in the Riko system of timber-frame construction with integrated modern interior furnishings, the Barn began to present the best, most popular, sometimes daringly provocative thinkers, artists and creators to attract the interest of a wide and loyal audience, thus transforming the Škrabec Homestead into an important cultural epicentre in Central Slovenia and beyond.
With varied cultural events taking place there, the Škrabec Homestead became a creative local cultural and business incubator, open in all directions. The initial and ongoing investment in the Barn is continually supplemented by funds from the community, creating incentives and increasingly widespread impact. The village of Hrovača has not only found its place on the map of tourist destinations, but also continued to improve what the village has to offer to attract many, now loyal visitors.
We keep abreast of the latest trends to expand the possibilities and opportunities for the future. The Škrabec Homestead, which currently forms the core of the entire complex, and its culural events were complemented by Kersnič smithy - a modernly rearranged gallery space. For several years now, we have been inviting travellers to the renovated Boštjan House with accommodation capacities that offer our guests cosy comfort and boutique experiences.
Why is so much attention being paid to the development of this small, yet high-profile cultural epicentre? To preserve our heritage and ensure it a rich future. As a businessman, I am also aware that art and culture give tangible form to something that is not yet there. That is why Riko’s strategic investment in culture and art is not just a marketing strategy, not just a part of the commitment to socially responsible attitudes, but an integral part of our own economic mission.
Janez Škrabec, CEO of Riko and creator of the Škrabčeva Homestead project.
