The House of Culture in Carmanova village, left bank of the Nistru River, is being renovated with the EU support

March 9, 2018

It was the last winter when the temperature inside of the House of Cultural from Carmanova village, left bank of the Nistru River, was as low as outside. The European Union has offered financial support of 150,795 Euro to renovate the building and to install a modern heating system. Thus, for the first time in 30 years, all building’s premises will be used during winter time. Moreover, all the villagers, who attend various classes organized by the Cultural Hall, and those who just attend concerts, will enjoy improved conditions.

Any object can be transformed into a piece of art here, at Carmanova House of Culture: not only a piece of fabric or a thread, but also glass, sand and even polyester. A glance over the shelves holding all the items manufactured here will turn into a trip around the world: paintings created in kinusaiga Japanese style or ”sand art” bottles originating from Petra, Jordan. However, it was challenging to meet the aspirations of the local artisans and amateur artists in such “extreme” conditions as it used to be in the House of Culture.

“This building was established in 1970s and has never been repaired until now. The heating system failed back in ‘90s and did not have any thermal insulation, water supply or sewerage. Because the thermal regime was not maintained, plaster was peeling off the walls and ceilings; paintings, costumes and other things were decaying. But even in these conditions, harsh as they were, we had ten crews which never stopped working. We heated two halls with electric heaters and organized a schedule for everyone to work here in shifts,” tells Natalia Stoian, Director of the House of Culture.

Renovation is now going on at full speed. The heating system is being installed, windows have been replaced, and by May, the building will be connected to the water supply and sanitation system; the rehearsal rooms and the small concert hall will be renovated. Better conditions will be available not only for children and adults who are part of various artistic bands and creative clubs, but also for those who attend cultural events.

“The activities organized in the House of Culture are attended by the villagers from different age groups: from 5 to 60 years. Some do canto, other attend dance classes. Many come here to learn some hand-made crafts. On holidays the big hall is full. People crave for cultural events,” says Natalia Stoian.

Moreover, thanks to close relationships with artist groups from the right bank, the Carmanova House of Culture will become a regional creation centre. It will host concerts and other artistic events with the participations of bands from both banks of the Nistru River. “We network with bands from the right bank and hope to extend this collaboration when we have better conditions,” says Natalia Stoian.

The Carmanova House of Culture is one of over 80 infrastructural projects renovated in the framework of the EU-funded “Support to confidence building measures Programme”, implemented by the UNDP Moldova. The Programme contributes to improvement of confidence between populations from both banks of the Nistru River by involving local leaders, representatives of business and civil society in joint projects aimed at development of businesses and improvement of social infrastructure.