SHIFT

The Synagogue’s History as Inspiration for Fabric’s Transformation

About the project

The SHIFT project aims to transform the New Fabric Synagogue, a degraded historical monument, through a temporary artistic intervention on its protective OSB panels. This cultural initiative seeks to draw public attention to the synagogue’s value, stimulate community involvement, and support rehabilitation efforts, turning it into a cultural and tourist landmark.

Beyond the artistic intervention, the project includes three publications, community workshops, souvenir prototyping, and guided tours.

Objectives

To valorize the historical and cultural importance of the Fabric Synagogue through an artistic intervention.
To realize an artistic intervention on at least 80% of the OSB panel surface, involving at least two local artists.
To organize at least 5 public events (workshops and guided tours) to promote the heritage and artistic intervention.
To increase the Fabric Synagogue’s visibility as a tourist and cultural site and developing 10 souvenir prototypes.

Needs addressed

The SHIFT project aligns with the “Culture in the Present 2025” program priorities by promoting artistic excellence and originality, transforming a temporarily protected space into a unique artistic medium. It contributes to community cultural interest through public events and to the valorization of the Fabric Synagogue’s material heritage. Furthermore, it encourages local cooperation between authorities, the Jewish community, and artists, activating an unconventional space and turning it into a vibrant cultural hub.

Artistic Intervention on the Synagogue

Creation and installation of 38-42 artworks on the Fabric Synagogue’s façade, involving two artists, following a process of research, documentation, and graphic execution. The activity culminates in a public inauguration.

Public Workshops

SHIFT Workshops

01–03/08

Bastion 2 – Str. Popa Șapcă nr. 4 – Str. Hector Nr. 1

Between August 1–3, the SHIFT project invites audiences of all ages to take part in a series of three creative workshops dedicated to exploring the heritage of the Fabric synagogue. Participants will have the opportunity to discover the heritage of the Fabric synagogue and its neighborhood through interactive activities such as:

collecting alternative community stories,
coloring and testing prototypes of souvenirs inspired by the building’s architecture and stained glass,
visual imagination exercises about the future of the Fabric neighborhood.

Guided Tours

Organization of two free thematic guided tours for Timisoara residents, one tour about Jewish heritage and the other tour of the Fabric neighborhood.

Jewish Heritage Tour with Alexandra Irimia

Vin 21/11

Fabric Neighborhood Tour with Dan Codre

Sam 23/11

Piloting tourist souvenirs and community initiatives near the synagogue

Development and testing of 10 prototypes of tourist souvenirs inspired by the heritage of the synagogue and the Fabric neighborhood. Development of a cultural activation plan for the synagogue complex, for the period after the temple is secured and until the start of rehabilitation works.

Publications

Production of approximately 2000 bilingual promotional publications and 200 monochrome copies for workshops, based on archival research and community consultation.