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Description
The project RESTORATION AND REVITALIZATION OF THE FIRST THEATER BUILT TOGETHER, GRIVITA 53 is in fact a much more complex project, with a strong symbolic and emotional load: the first private theater after 71 years will be built from ‘0’. The theater wants to be a bridge between the history of the capital and the future artistic community. The built theater wants to be more than a cultural space, it is required to be a spirit of a generation. In Romania, independent theater is a vital cultural movement. However, it happens in makeshift spaces. Grivita 53 will be the first independent theater stage to offer the conditions of a professional theater. The buildings show the effects of abandonment, the degradations being due to seismic movements as well as lack of maintenance, environmental factors and vandalism. The intervention consists in the remodeling and extension of the existing buildings according to the spatial and functional requirements of the architecture program with the maintenance and restoration of the historical facades. With the support of the Norwegian partner the promoter will organize a theatrical season for both adults and children. In addition to the theater, film screenings will be run on the terrace, a non-stop library will host workshops on literature and dramatic writing, a foyer will host non-stop exhibitions of contemporary art and regular meetings between artists.
Summary of project results
Romania had not seen the construction of a new independent theater in over 70 years. This lack of modern cultural spaces limited opportunities for artistic expression and community engagement. The Grivița 53 project sought to address this gap by creating a contemporary venue for performing arts.
Initiated by director and writer Chris Simion-Mercurian, the project began with the sale of her grandmother''s house to purchase land on Calea Griviței 53. A fundraising campaign titled "We sell bricks. We build a theater" was launched, attracting over 11,000 contributors, including individuals and organizations. In 2021, the project secured the million non-reimbursable grant from the EEA Grants. Restoration works commenced in March 2023 and finalized in April 2024.
The Grivița 53 project successfully mobilized a diverse community to support the arts, demonstrating the power of collective effort in cultural development. The theater is set to become a significant cultural hub in Bucharest, offering a platform for artists and enriching the city''s cultural landscape. Beneficiaries include local artists, performers, and the broader community seeking cultural engagement.
Summary of bilateral results
The project strengthened bilateral relations between Romania and donor states, particularly Norway, through the involvement of the donor project partner. This collaboration encouraged knowledge exchange, cultural dialogue, and the sharing of good practices. The partnership added value to the project by fostering mutual understanding and promoting long-term cultural connections.