The reconstruction of the historic Stefan Żeromski Theatre in Kielce for the needs of preserving cultural heritage and expanding its cultural and educational activity.

About this project

<p>The subject of the project is the reconstruction and extension of, as well as addition of upper storeys to the historic building of the Stefan Żeromski Theatre in Kielce (the “Theatre”). The building has been operating as the Theatre continuously since 1879 and is<br> one of the oldest theatre stages in Poland.&nbsp;<br> The Theatre has been listed in the register of monuments since April 9, 1972, initially under No. 730 A, and from September 21, 2009 under No. A 378 of the Register of Świętokrzyskie Province.&nbsp;<br> The historical structure (an authentic 19th-century theatre) requires renovation, restoration, and modernization due to its poor technical and aesthetic condition, non-compliance with the fire requirements, as well as the need to ensure optimal conditions<br> for the safe use of the structure, access to culture, and increasing the use of the cultural potential of the province.<br> The main objective of the project is to increase access to culture and improve the quality of cultural offer by rebuilding the&nbsp;historic structure of the Theatre. This objective will also be achieved thanks to the implementation of soft measures that make<br> the revival of a cultural heritage site possible.<br> The total expenditure of the project is PLN 21 858 044,05. Eligible costs are PLN 18 119 459.03, while ineligible costs (VAT) PLN<br> 3 738 585.02. The project is not implemented with public aid.<br> The project includes the following activities:<br> • construction works,<br> • purchase of equipment,<br> • project management,<br> • promotion,<br> • cultural offer,<br> • training.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The partnership with Skuld sfl. and The National Theatre of Iceland was implemented in relation to the expanded cultural and education offer of the theatre, especially in relation to the first staging of performances in 2024, which were produced after the transfer of knowledge and skills through the co-operation with Icelandic partners. The partnership assumed two working visits of staff of Stefan Żeromski Theatre in The National Theatre of Iceland, with activities on Icelandic University of Arts, as well as the guest performance of Stefan Żeromski Theatre in The National Theatre of Iceland, and the guest performance of The National Theatre of Iceland in the reconstructed stage of Stefan Żeromski Theatre in Kielce. The implementation of the project enabled mutual understanding of the functioning of institutions originating from different cultural orders. Each subsequent visit to the headquarters of the partner and the Icelandic team in Kielce was aimed at exchanging professional and social experiences. Thanks to the partnership and related training, the Kielce theatre team gained knowledge about the functioning of a large theatre open to stage-related activities and new technical skills.

Project partners

• SKULD slf. Donor project partner· Iceland