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Description
The project CULTFORT – Urban cultural fortress comes as a response to the needs identified in the past during public debates and it is based on vulnerabilities reflected in Sighisoara’s strategic development planning: the need for a better cultural management, involvement of the business sector, more multifunctional venues, and more events on the cultural agenda. The groups targeted by the proposed project are 25 professionals and practitioners in the cultural-creative sector, 5 team-members from Mihai Eminescu Trust foundation, 250 children and youngsters from Sighisoara, 750 visitors and people from the local community attending the cultural events. Project CULTFORT aims to sustainably develop the cultural-creative sector and increase communal accessibility to culture through the contemporary cultural revitalisation of Sighisoara’s Medieval citadel. More specific objectives aim to: integrated development of the creative and cultural sectors in Sighisoara by consolidating skills in strategic planning, entrepreneurship, and cultural management for 30 professionals and practitioners in the cultural-creative sector, by 2023; promoting and increasing peoples’ access to culture by enriching Sighisoara’s cultural agenda; 23 events of classical, modern, popular and contemporary art aim to attract over 750 visitors during the tourism seasons in 2022 and 2023; expanding the culture-consuming public to include more individuals from the younger generation by creating an unconventional cultural space and involving 250 youngsters in an informal cultural-artistic educational program, by 2023.
Summary of project results
The CULTFORT – Urban Cultural Fortress project was developed in response to needs identified in previous public debates and the vulnerabilities outlined in Sighișoara’s strategic development plan. These included the need for improved cultural management, greater involvement of the business sector, more multifunctional venues, and an enriched cultural agenda with more diverse events.
At a national level, the project also addressed the need to increase the number of cultural consumers and to sustainably valorize monuments included on the World Heritage List. CULTFORT aimed to foster the sustainable development of the cultural-creative sector and enhance community access to culture through the contemporary cultural revitalization of Sighișoara’s Medieval Citadel.
The project contributed to strengthening Sighișoara’s cultural and creative sector through several key initiatives. It supported the development of the city’s cultural strategy, providing a structured framework for future cultural growth. Additionally, it enhanced competencies in cultural entrepreneurship and fundraising, equipping local cultural actors with essential skills for sustainability.
A key achievement was the establishment of an unconventional, multifunctional cultural space, designed to host a variety of artistic and community activities. The project also introduced an informal artistic and educational program for young people, fostering creativity and engagement with culture. Furthermore, it strengthened the cultural connection with the local community by organizing 23 events showcasing classical, modern, popular, and contemporary art, all held within the medieval fortress.
Through the project, the Butchers’ Tower and Bastion were transformed into a dedicated space for high-quality cultural events in Sighișoara, significantly enhancing the city''s cultural landscape.
In the autumn of 2022, the Tour of Sighișoara for Locals was launched, offering a series of guided, free walks that encouraged residents to rediscover their city from a new perspective. Additionally, the project introduced children to architecture through the Little Architect program. An experienced architect worked with students from Joseph Haltrich School, simplifying complex architectural concepts in an engaging way. A total of 13 sessions were held for two groups of 30 children each.
To further community engagement, three Intercultural Café meetings were organized to discuss the city’s strategy for cultural promotion and preservation. The project also supported professional development by organizing two training courses—one in cultural management and another in fundraising—resulting in 23 professionals receiving on-the-job training.
Moreover, 23 cultural events, spanning classical, modern, popular, and contemporary art, were held, attracting over 983 attendees. These included a photography exhibition, the Little Architect exhibition, culinary art events, movie nights in the Butchers’ Bastion, concerts, theatre performances, and more, reinforcing Sighișoara’s role as a vibrant cultural hub.