Competition close – Creating models of Slovenian apiaries

12. July 2021

The competition for creating models of Slovenian apiaries, organized by Belinka in collaboration with the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association (SBA), closed at the end of June. 

The competition was aimed at secondary students of woodworking schools, who with help from mentors, created models of typical Slovenian apiaries, apiaries from the register of old apiaries, and special apiaries that stand on our soil. The competition was launched in 2020 and there was a lot of interest from secondary woodworking schools.

Sadly, due to the pandemic and remote learning, many students did not have the opportunity to participate in the competition and create a model. In spite of this, Belinka and the SBA were still able to select a winner – two winning models in fact! The competition winners are Andreas Krajnc, who made a model of Mr. Rakovnik’s apiary in Lovrenc na Pohorju, and Luka Mertϋk, who made a model of the Idrija municipal apiary. Mirjana and Marjan Kumer supervised the production of the models.  

The two students received the award and cash prize together with the book The Slovenian Apiary, at the Beekeeping Centre and in the presence of the commission and both mentors, presented by Helios representative Mrs. Manja Robič-Zima, and vice-president of the SBA Mr. Matej Kotnik.

Through creating models of traditional Slovenian apiaries, the purpose of the competition was to stimulate interest among young people in Slovenian cultural heritage and its preservation, and in this type of architecture and beekeeping activity.

The models will be exhibited at various events, where they will be sure to attract an audience with their detail and perfect imitation of the originals. 

Belinka’s collaboration with the SBA was re-established in 2018 after a pause of several years. In the year that Belinka also celebrated its 70th anniversary, a long-term collaboration agreement was signed with the SBA as an example of good practice in preserving Slovenian cultural heritage.

Belinka’s success has always been based on a close connection with wood and its coexistence with nature. The brand demonstrates its responsibility to the environment and nature through quality products, but also through activities and projects that promote a positive attitude towards wood and connecting people with nature. The long-term cooperation with the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association is a perfect example of this approach.