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Description
Project objective is to create conditions for an improved art experience and for increasing the usability potential of Fatra House of Arts, by renovating its exterior facades and by refurbishing its internal facilities.
The restoration includes two fundamental stages, indispensable for a general renovation: A. Historically authentic renovation of facades and windows, where the art elements on it will be fully renovated, the original inscription “Grand Bio Universum” on the main facade attic will be restored and the doors and windows will be entirely replaced according to historical sources, with the addition of double-pane insulation glass. It will attract more new visitors and will delight the views of tourists and residents of the city.
B. Renovation of the concert hall according to the requirements of KPÚ Žilina (Regional Monuments Board). It includes a) Update of the lighting system; b) Stage expansion; c) Flooring renovation and reconstruction; d) Renovation and addition of seats
Summary of project results
The project CLT01005 was aimed at the restoration of the historical building "Theatre - House of Art Fatra" in the centre of the Žilina City and to create conditions for improving the artistic impression and increasing the potential of the use of this national cultural monument through its restoration - restoration of its external facades and reconstruction of the internal spaces. The building was in a state of disrepair, the art decoration of the facades was significantly damaged, there was a risk of endangering pedestrians passing by. The restoration contributed to the improvement of the historical centre of Žilina and to the increase of the attractiveness of the House of Arts Fatra and thus to the enrichment of the cultural life of the town and to the increase of the quality of the cultural experience.
The restoration of the cultural monument includes two essential parts:
The restoration of the facades and windows, the facade and the artistic elements on it are completely restored, the original historical inscription on the attic of the main facade "Grand Bio Universum" is also restored, the windows and doors are completely replaced according to historical sources with the addition of insulating double glazing to the outer part of the windows. The renovation of the concert hall included lighting - replacement and additions including the addition of a new projector and projection screen, expansion of the stage, restoration and reconstruction of the floor, and restoration and addition of seating. The concert lighting prior to the renovation did not meet the requirements for high quality and uniform stage lighting, including effect lights. The new solution contributed to higher quality, lower energy consumption, lighting variability and a better environment for the audience. In addition, a projection screen and projector were added, allowing the orchestra''s activities to be more attractive to the audience (screening of films with live music) and to external tenants. The replacement of the auditorium floor has eliminated problems (creaking) and significantly improved the acoustics of the hall. The extension of the stage increased the space for artists and pianos. The seats on the ground floor, balconies and boxes were unified and completed after the renovation, and the seating was adjusted so that all audience members could see the stage. The renovation significantly increased the use of the building (new technologies) and preserve the cultural heritage of our ancestors.
The project included soft activities - joint concerts with the Norwegian partner and Norwegian artist, concerts of national minorities and educational concerts for children and youth.
The results of the renovation and its impact on the community can be divided into two levels. Firstly, there are the artists who have full conditions for their artistic activities. All members of the orchestra, external conductor and soloist is delighted with the current restored state of the concert hall. Larger stage is proper for larger productions and a variety of concert programs. Another significant change is the restoration of the seating and flooring inside, windows and facade outside the building. The restoration of Fatra House of Arts made it very attractive to audiences and attract new visitors and the general public. The addition new projection helped to expand the concert offerings in the form of projections of live music films as well as the use of the screen to show subtitles for songs, etc. It can be said that the entire Slovak society has gained a fully-fledged cultural space that will be passed on to future generations.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral cooperation during the project duration has beet establishment as a new cooperation between Norway and Slovakia, it brought possibility to gain new contacts and opportunities. The main result was the performance of Norwegian music with Norwegian performers in Žilina - in particular the string quartet OPUS13.