Fortress of Culture Šibenik is an initiative started by the city of Šibenik. Its aim is to renovate the old medieval fortresses in the city and promote cultural and creative industries through the organisation of cultural events. It started with renovating St. Michael’s Fortress in 2012 and has since then renovated two additional fortifications. Through the revitalization of the fortresses the initiative also aims to attract more tourists to the area. [1;2]
The first mentions of Šibenik as a fortified town date back to the middle ages. The fortifications were in use right up until modern times. The fortresses have changed ownership many times and reflect the tumultuous history of the region. They were eventually left abandoned in the 19th century, after losing their military value. It was only when restoration started in 2012 that they would see activity again. [5]
The main aim of the initiative is to restore the old fortresses in the city so they can be used for cultural promotion. This is done by organising cultural events in the old fortresses and reopening them for tourists. The initial plan of the project was to only revitalise St Michael’s Fortress, which opened in 2014, but over the years the project expanded to also include Barone Fortress and St John’s Fortress. They now all serve as cultural venues and host a wide variety of activities. These include, among others, musical performances, movies, artistic workshops, conferences and exhibitions. [1;2;5]
The project is a collaboration between the city of Šibenik, EU regional development fund, the University of Zagreb, and a few local cultural institutions. It was started by the municipality and is managed by a public cultural institution, called Fortress of Culture Šibenik, created for said purpose. The municipality chooses 3 out of the 7 members of the board [3].
The initiative receives funding from the local municipality as well as from Fortress Reinvented, which is a funding program by the European Regional Development Fund meant to promote the tourist attraction of old fortifications in the Western Balkans. [4] The initial funding of €1.666.436 was only for renovating St Michael’s Fortress, but the imitative has received funding and renovated two additional fortresses since then .[1;5] Apart from municipal and EU funding, the initiative also generates revenue from through selling venue tickets, souvenirs, and memberships. In 2019, almost 93% of the annual budget (of €1.350.000) was generated through organizational activities (including tickets, souvenir sales and rental services) and sponsorship. The remainder of the financial resources was provided through the City of Šibenik, the Croatian State and the European Social Fund. [2]
Fortress of Culture Šibenik, organisational website [translated to English], https://www.tvrdjava-kulture.hr/hr/o-nama/, accessed on 01-08-2022
Cultural Heritage In Action Catalogue Of Good Practices, https://issuu.com/yourculturalheritageinaction/docs/cultural_heritage_in_action_catalogue_of_good_prac, accessed on 01-08-2022
Fortress of Culture Šibenik statute [translated to English], https://www.tvrdjava-kulture.hr/media/29377/statut-tksi.pdf, accessed on 04-08-2022
Fortress Reinvented, project website, https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects/Croatia/unleashing-the-tourism-potential-of-historical-fortresses-in-the-western-balkans, accessed on 04-08-2022
Fortress of Culture Šibenik, project website for St Michael’s Fortress, https://www.tvrdjava-kulture.hr/en/st-michaels-fortress/revitalization-project/, accessed on 04-08-2022