The ID20 Institute is a non-profit and non-governmental institute based in Idrija, where the world’s second largest mercury mine once operated. Today, the town, with its rich mining heritage, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

ID20’s mission is to preserve and develop cultural heritage, especially in peripheral and rural areas. With innovative, multi-award-winning approaches, ID20 brings elements of (social) entrepreneurship, youth work, marketing, architecture, and community building into the heritage field, thereby contributing not only to preservation but also to social and economic development based on heritage.

The ID20 team brings specialized knowledge, experience, and skills in coordinating, designing, and implementing strategic development projects at the local, regional, and national levels. The team of the ID20 Institute is nationally recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to engaging young people and promoting heritage (in tourism, culture, and the creative industries, etc.). ID20 operates from an office in the engine room of the Inzaghi Shaft (part of the UNESCO World Heritage site) and owns the authentic miners’ house Giser.

ID20’s outstanding project-management capabilities (leadership, cost management, task management, communication and negotiation, scheduling), together with its growing expertise/innovation, knowledge transfer, and financial management of European projects, provide a solid foundation. ID20 staff have led projects co-financed by the Creative Europe programme, Erasmus+, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the LEADER programme, and other national funds. Most recently, ID20 has joined a Horizon Europe project partnership as a partner.