More information
Description
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
one of the oldest theatre stages in Poland.
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.
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
for the safe use of the structure, access to culture, and increasing the use of the cultural potential of the province.
The main objective of the project is to increase access to culture and improve the quality of cultural offer by rebuilding the historic structure of the Theatre. This objective will also be achieved thanks to the implementation of soft measures that make
the revival of a cultural heritage site possible.
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
3 738 585.02. The project is not implemented with public aid.
The project includes the following activities:
• construction works,
• purchase of equipment,
• project management,
• promotion,
• cultural offer,
• training.
Summary of project results
Stefan Żeromski Theatre in Kielce was established in 1879 and since then it has been continuously located in the same location - a historic tenement house in the city center. The project involved a comprehensive renovation of the building and adapting it to modern technical standards. Broadly understood inclusivity was also an important challenge to achieve, aiming to increase the accessibility of theater to various social groups.
The result of the project is the renovated seat of the Stefan Żeromski Theatre in Kielce, adapted to the highest standards.
Thanks to the new spaces, it was possible to implement an extended cultural and educational offer addressed to the inhabitants of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, including groups normally excluded from participating in the reception of culture. A partnership with the National Theatre of Iceland was also implemented.
Thanks to the implementation of the project, current and future generations of residents of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship will be able to benefit from the artistic offer of the modern and safe theatre headquarters. Viewers can watch technically and staging-complicated performances. Various social groups were included among the recipients. It was possible to prepare performances for blind, deaf and non-Polish speaking people. A space was created for an exhibition gallery presenting art, school children and teachers were invited to theatre workshops, and the renovated courtyard is ready to host outdoor events.
Summary of bilateral 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.