Type of instrument: Call for funding
Geographical scope: Local
Location:
Romania
Centru
Sibiu
Thematic objective: Urban Transformation
The Culture Factory project responds to two major problems of the local community in Sibiu: the management of degraded and potentially dangerous former industrial sites, on the one hand, and the problem of insufficient performing arts spaces in the city, on the other hand.
The Culture Factory is a complex project that proposes to broaden the city’s active cultural horizon from the centre to the periphery and also proposes solutions for the lack of cultural spaces and helps to revitalize the city’s heritage. Some former industrial buildings on the outskirts of Sibiu have been modified in order to host, in an unconventional space, the landmark shows of “Radu Stanca” National Theatre in Sibiu.
Since 2015, shows such as “Faust”, “Lulu”, “Metamorphosis”, “Vanilla Skype” and “Meaning of Life” have been staged here, the Culture Factory being one of the hot spots during the International Theatre Festival that takes place annually in Sibiu.
Stakeholders involved in this project:
The National Theatre of Sibiu, the owner of the industrial spaces, the City Hall of Sibiu and the art-lovers from Sibiu and beyond.
Timescale (start/end date): 2015 – ongoing
Resources needed: 6 Million Euro only for buildings
Evidences of success:
The increasing number of spectators and the sold out shows convinced the City Hall of Sibiu to get directly involved in this project by buying in 2023 the buildings used as stages for the performances and will continue the investments to transform them into cultural spaces.
Potential for learning or transfer:
This project can be yet another successful example of the revaluation of industrial spaces that adds to a list of similar projects in European countries. In this case, the success was ensured by the professionalism of the Sibiu Theatre team and the open-minded approach of the owner of the industrial spaces.
