Creative & Cultural Centre
Basic information
Project Title
Creative & Cultural Centre
Full project title
The Broumov City Library - Creative & Cultural Centre
Project Description
In the city of Broumov, a unique space is being created - the Creative & Cultural Centre will become a "palace for people", where they will find a library and its services, as well as a place for cultural and community events. A revitalised building in the historic city centre that will keep its original, classical appearance but inside will provide an accessible and modern space for its visitors - a place that is actively co-created by the citizens and that improves their quality of life.
Current stage development
Early initiative
Project Region
Czechia
Municipality
573922: Broumov (CZ)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
Next Generation EU - National Recovery Plan
Description of the project
Summary
The reconstruction and revitalization of the building in the historical city centre will not only create space for modern library activities but will also create a significant expansion of a meeting space, the development of community and cultural life, creative activities, informal education and active leisure time activities. The new space will allow for an extensive set of accompanying activities - lectures, creative workshops, workshops, courses, exhibitions, readings, coworking space, local community meetings, educational and awareness-raising events for all ages. The space will be given a range of new functions and uses for different target groups, collaborating organisations and partners. All activities will be accessible to people with disabilities and special needs.
The project is aimed at all residents of the city, but has defined specific target groups that will benefit from its implementation: seniors, parents with children, persons socially excluded or at risk of social exclusion, minorities, persons with disabilities or other limitations.
Thanks to the project, the following benefits will be realised for the target groups:
- overall development of the cultural and creative environment in the city and region,
- more effective accessibility of services, events and activities leading to the promotion of community life in the city;
- support for the personal development of the users of the new Centre;
- positive impact on the social climate in the city and support for marginalised communities, citizens at risk of social exclusion or directly socially excluded citizens;
- improving the quality of services provided by the Centre.
The project is aimed at all residents of the city, but has defined specific target groups that will benefit from its implementation: seniors, parents with children, persons socially excluded or at risk of social exclusion, minorities, persons with disabilities or other limitations.
Thanks to the project, the following benefits will be realised for the target groups:
- overall development of the cultural and creative environment in the city and region,
- more effective accessibility of services, events and activities leading to the promotion of community life in the city;
- support for the personal development of the users of the new Centre;
- positive impact on the social climate in the city and support for marginalised communities, citizens at risk of social exclusion or directly socially excluded citizens;
- improving the quality of services provided by the Centre.
Key objectives for sustainability
The city of Broumov lies in the Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area,which is one of the most protected areas in the Czech Republic, where there is a high degree of protection of the landscape and environment.The project involves the reconstruction and revitalisation of an architecturally and historically valuable building, instead of building a new one.
The reconstruction and revitalisation emphasises the use of modern and sustainable technologies and working practices.
The project is implemented in accordance with the objectives and principles of sustainable development and the principle of "do no significant harm" under the Regulation on the Instrument for Recovery and Resilience (Commission Notice 2021/C 58/01) in the field of environment. The project has no negative impact on the environment and is neutral to this principle. As part of the construction work, the relevant provisions of laws and decrees regarding environmental care is highly respected. Construction modifications that are part of the project have no major negative impact on the health of residents or the environment. The project will have no negative impact on the climate. The project implementation will not increase the greenhouse gas emissions. The climate resistance of the infrastructure will be ensured. From a responsible procurement perspective, the theme of environmentally friendly solutions that contribute to sustainable development in our region is particularly promoted.Sustainability is a central theme for the library, as evidenced by it being the first library in the CZ to participate in The Europe Challenge organised by the European Cultural Foundation. The project "Be Sustainable: Start in a Library" was implemented. As part of the project, a series of sustainability workshops were delivered to local communities and student groups in the Broumov area. A representative of the library participated in international workshops and two meet-ups throughout the year, in Milan and Amsterdam
The reconstruction and revitalisation emphasises the use of modern and sustainable technologies and working practices.
The project is implemented in accordance with the objectives and principles of sustainable development and the principle of "do no significant harm" under the Regulation on the Instrument for Recovery and Resilience (Commission Notice 2021/C 58/01) in the field of environment. The project has no negative impact on the environment and is neutral to this principle. As part of the construction work, the relevant provisions of laws and decrees regarding environmental care is highly respected. Construction modifications that are part of the project have no major negative impact on the health of residents or the environment. The project will have no negative impact on the climate. The project implementation will not increase the greenhouse gas emissions. The climate resistance of the infrastructure will be ensured. From a responsible procurement perspective, the theme of environmentally friendly solutions that contribute to sustainable development in our region is particularly promoted.Sustainability is a central theme for the library, as evidenced by it being the first library in the CZ to participate in The Europe Challenge organised by the European Cultural Foundation. The project "Be Sustainable: Start in a Library" was implemented. As part of the project, a series of sustainability workshops were delivered to local communities and student groups in the Broumov area. A representative of the library participated in international workshops and two meet-ups throughout the year, in Milan and Amsterdam
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Broumov was a German town until the end of the Second World War, located in the so-called Sudetenland. Since 1945, when the original population was forcibly removed, it has been inhabited mostly by Czechs. The influence of the indigenous population is still evident here. The architecturally valuable building is located in the historical centre with a history spanning to the 13th Century.
Before the reconstruction in 2024 began, the building housed a clubhouse for the senior citizens' club (basement) and a canteen for primary and secondary schools (ground floor). The second and third floors of the building were for many years unused and empty.
Local residents were actively involved in the project design and participated in various ways in the creation of the building's content and purpose. The designers and architects then responded to their needs by creating a design that would fit the form of the renovated building and its use.
The external appearance of the building is highly aesthetic and meets the standards of a listed building. Once renovated, it will fit aesthetically into the local historic centre and will relate to the history of the building itself. By working with local planners and architects who have a good sense of the local environment, the future form of the site has been designed to deepen the relationship of the residents with the place they live and its history. At the same time, this approach promotes the physical and mental well-being of the permanent and temporary residents of the town. The project will enhance the overall attractiveness of the town to new residents.
Considering the overall development of the city, there is no need to build new buildings, but to be able to use the existing ones and give them a use for modern times.
Before the reconstruction in 2024 began, the building housed a clubhouse for the senior citizens' club (basement) and a canteen for primary and secondary schools (ground floor). The second and third floors of the building were for many years unused and empty.
Local residents were actively involved in the project design and participated in various ways in the creation of the building's content and purpose. The designers and architects then responded to their needs by creating a design that would fit the form of the renovated building and its use.
The external appearance of the building is highly aesthetic and meets the standards of a listed building. Once renovated, it will fit aesthetically into the local historic centre and will relate to the history of the building itself. By working with local planners and architects who have a good sense of the local environment, the future form of the site has been designed to deepen the relationship of the residents with the place they live and its history. At the same time, this approach promotes the physical and mental well-being of the permanent and temporary residents of the town. The project will enhance the overall attractiveness of the town to new residents.
Considering the overall development of the city, there is no need to build new buildings, but to be able to use the existing ones and give them a use for modern times.
Key objectives for inclusion
We speak of the place that is now emerging as “a palace for the people”. That is, a place where everyone feels fully valued and knows that his/her voice matters. Everyone regardless of age, gender, race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or type of disability is welcome here. The building will be fully barrier-free not only for physical movement, but also for the mental well-being of all visitors. The center's services will offer space for meeting, learning, playing, spending time together, collaborating and co-creating.
In smaller cities like Broumov, the LGBTQAI+ community, is more or less an "invisible" group. Therefore, the Center's activities will target this group as well and provide a safe and open space, where they can be themselves.
The Center will provide safe spaces for these groups to become not only service users, but co-creators and active participants in the program.
Thanks to the creation of a place for coworking, a unique space will be created in the city, where creatives and cultural actors will meet and where new synergies and cooperation will emerge.
Local residents were fully informed about what was going on from the very planning of the project and were encouraged to actively participate in the creation of the content and form of the building (see application attachment). During the preparations and after the time of reconstruction, we involve all local communities and groups of residents - from kindergarten children, to people with disabilities and specific needs, minorities to the elderly.
Thanks to the careful preparation of the project, including the creation of a dense partner network, the foundation stone was laid for the smooth start-up and operation of the new center.
Broumov brings inspiration in the fact that even in a small town local participation is an important topic and everyone is given space to express themselves and co-create.
In smaller cities like Broumov, the LGBTQAI+ community, is more or less an "invisible" group. Therefore, the Center's activities will target this group as well and provide a safe and open space, where they can be themselves.
The Center will provide safe spaces for these groups to become not only service users, but co-creators and active participants in the program.
Thanks to the creation of a place for coworking, a unique space will be created in the city, where creatives and cultural actors will meet and where new synergies and cooperation will emerge.
Local residents were fully informed about what was going on from the very planning of the project and were encouraged to actively participate in the creation of the content and form of the building (see application attachment). During the preparations and after the time of reconstruction, we involve all local communities and groups of residents - from kindergarten children, to people with disabilities and specific needs, minorities to the elderly.
Thanks to the careful preparation of the project, including the creation of a dense partner network, the foundation stone was laid for the smooth start-up and operation of the new center.
Broumov brings inspiration in the fact that even in a small town local participation is an important topic and everyone is given space to express themselves and co-create.
How Citizens benefit
Thanks to the implementation of the project, we expect great positive impacts for the target groups, i.e. the entire local community and the Broumovsko region, in particular:
- development of a culturally creative environment in a small town
- increased availability of services, events and activities leading to the support of community life in the city;
- supporting the personal development of users through a wide and varied range of services, events and activities
- positive impact on the social climate in the city and the support of communities that are on the margins of society and are at risk of social exclusion or are already socially excluded;
- increase quality of services provided.
In addition, the project will also realize specific benefits for individuals, for specific people from the target groups who will use the new center for their own education and self-development.
Community involvement – the Centre is actively cooperating not only with schools or
a house of children and art, as is usually the case with libraries. On the contrary, the Centre also works with non-profit organizations, public administration entities or business entities for the purpose of a wide range of educational and cultural-creative activities and workshops.
For more details, please, see the Annex 6.
- development of a culturally creative environment in a small town
- increased availability of services, events and activities leading to the support of community life in the city;
- supporting the personal development of users through a wide and varied range of services, events and activities
- positive impact on the social climate in the city and the support of communities that are on the margins of society and are at risk of social exclusion or are already socially excluded;
- increase quality of services provided.
In addition, the project will also realize specific benefits for individuals, for specific people from the target groups who will use the new center for their own education and self-development.
Community involvement – the Centre is actively cooperating not only with schools or
a house of children and art, as is usually the case with libraries. On the contrary, the Centre also works with non-profit organizations, public administration entities or business entities for the purpose of a wide range of educational and cultural-creative activities and workshops.
For more details, please, see the Annex 6.
Innovative character
For a city the size of Broumov (7,000 inhabitants), with a yearly budget of 18,400,000 EUR, the investment of 2,200,000 EUR is considerable. Precisely because it is such a large investment with an expected social impact on the local population and, by extension, the entire region, a large number of stakeholders have been consulted on the project design. These included experts from various sectors, as well as the general professional and lay public . The Centre will not only serve the residents of Broumov, but also the general public from 13 adjacent villages, where a similar space is lacking. The Centre will thus become the heart of the whole region for creative and cultural activities. For inspiration and examples of good practice, library representatives travelled around the Czech Republic (Písek, Mohelnice, Kutná Hora, Česká Třebová, Rychnov nad Kněžnou) and abroad (Biblioteca Calvairate in Milan, OBA Public Libraries Amsterdam).
The intersectionality and broad involvement of local actors and local residents is an innovation that the city of Broumov is experiencing on such a scale for the first time. The innovative aspect is the participation of a number of stakeholder groups in the project design, including the Centre equipment and future services. The stakeholders are listed in Annex 6. Our international partners (Municipal library in Nowa Ruda - PL, Heimatkreis Braunau - DE) were also involved in this co-creation, which is not usual in similar projects.
Another innovative approach is our aim to create a network of cultural and creative centres in libraries, primarily those that have been supported by the National Plan of Recovery (Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic). Once established, the network would streamline our communication with the Ministry of Culture, Czech Republic as well as allow easy know-how sharing with other network partners.
The intersectionality and broad involvement of local actors and local residents is an innovation that the city of Broumov is experiencing on such a scale for the first time. The innovative aspect is the participation of a number of stakeholder groups in the project design, including the Centre equipment and future services. The stakeholders are listed in Annex 6. Our international partners (Municipal library in Nowa Ruda - PL, Heimatkreis Braunau - DE) were also involved in this co-creation, which is not usual in similar projects.
Another innovative approach is our aim to create a network of cultural and creative centres in libraries, primarily those that have been supported by the National Plan of Recovery (Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic). Once established, the network would streamline our communication with the Ministry of Culture, Czech Republic as well as allow easy know-how sharing with other network partners.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
We have identified 4 core fields that are decisive for this project:
Librarianship - the main task of the center will be the operation of the library, which is a modern institution built on the needs of its target groups. Its employees are constantly educated in their field, attend educational courses and seminars, participate in international projects or go on study trips to other libraries. Its employees are the bearers of the entire idea of the project, initiate partnerships with other organizations, organize events to involve the public and target groups, identify and evaluate the needs of target groups and propose solutions in the form of activities.
Creative and cultural sector - the Centre will serve as a base for their work, but also as a space for creating new partnerships and collaborations. Here, creatives and cultural professionals will meet not only with each other, but also with the general public in events. Creatives and cultural professionals have also been actively involved in the preparation and implementation of the project, bringing new perspectives not only on the content and programming, but also on the equipment, the layout of the space.
Social services - in the project, we mainly use the principle of availability of social services - i.e. the access of all residents of the city to the center's activities and the design of the services and activities according to the specific needs of individual target groups. Openness, low threshold and accessibility are key aspects.
Architecture, interior design and modern construction - the project involves experts who look at the reconstruction and revitalization of the building from a comprehensive point of view and are able to connect various disciplines, respond to the needs of the city's current residents, but also reflect on its history. They are experts who achieve a high level of education and experience, but at the same time who continue to develop and educate themselves.
Librarianship - the main task of the center will be the operation of the library, which is a modern institution built on the needs of its target groups. Its employees are constantly educated in their field, attend educational courses and seminars, participate in international projects or go on study trips to other libraries. Its employees are the bearers of the entire idea of the project, initiate partnerships with other organizations, organize events to involve the public and target groups, identify and evaluate the needs of target groups and propose solutions in the form of activities.
Creative and cultural sector - the Centre will serve as a base for their work, but also as a space for creating new partnerships and collaborations. Here, creatives and cultural professionals will meet not only with each other, but also with the general public in events. Creatives and cultural professionals have also been actively involved in the preparation and implementation of the project, bringing new perspectives not only on the content and programming, but also on the equipment, the layout of the space.
Social services - in the project, we mainly use the principle of availability of social services - i.e. the access of all residents of the city to the center's activities and the design of the services and activities according to the specific needs of individual target groups. Openness, low threshold and accessibility are key aspects.
Architecture, interior design and modern construction - the project involves experts who look at the reconstruction and revitalization of the building from a comprehensive point of view and are able to connect various disciplines, respond to the needs of the city's current residents, but also reflect on its history. They are experts who achieve a high level of education and experience, but at the same time who continue to develop and educate themselves.
Methodology used
The planning of the cultural and creative centre started in 2017. It started with an architectural design that was approved by the City Council. In the meantime, negotiations with future partners of the project and the alignment of the vision for the development of the Centre have been ongoing.
Thanks to active participation in the development of the long-term Cultural Strategy of the City of Broumov and the region 2022-2032, the project was selected as a flagship project with great support from the public, other cultural actors and political representatives of Broumov and the Hradec Králové Region. The project is also linked to the Cultural Strategy of the Hradec Králové Region 2022-2030.
In 2023, a comprehensive project feasibility study was prepared and memorandums of cooperation were concluded with local, national and international partners. A grant for implementation was applied for from the call of the National Recovery Plan (Ministry of Culture, Czech Republic), which was successfully received. Immediately after the decision to receive the grant, a participatory process with the target groups was launched, which continues to the present day. The needs of each group are being incorporated into the interior design, as well as the design of the services of the cultural and creative centre. The methodology of the participatory process is described in Annex 6.
Thanks to active participation in the development of the long-term Cultural Strategy of the City of Broumov and the region 2022-2032, the project was selected as a flagship project with great support from the public, other cultural actors and political representatives of Broumov and the Hradec Králové Region. The project is also linked to the Cultural Strategy of the Hradec Králové Region 2022-2030.
In 2023, a comprehensive project feasibility study was prepared and memorandums of cooperation were concluded with local, national and international partners. A grant for implementation was applied for from the call of the National Recovery Plan (Ministry of Culture, Czech Republic), which was successfully received. Immediately after the decision to receive the grant, a participatory process with the target groups was launched, which continues to the present day. The needs of each group are being incorporated into the interior design, as well as the design of the services of the cultural and creative centre. The methodology of the participatory process is described in Annex 6.
How stakeholders are engaged
As part of the creation of the project and guaranteeing its long-term sustainability, memorandums of cooperation were concluded with important local, regional, national and international partners. There were 13 partners in total, who come from varied, local or national creative and cultural institutions (see Annex 8). In addition to maintaining existing established partnerships, it is also expected that new partnerships will be formed. This will direct the center to innovation and adaptation to new trends or attitudes within the community and within sub-target groups. The main priority in establishing partnerships is cross-sector and interdisciplinary cooperation, which clearly fits into the project plan of the Centre and corresponds to its individual program lines and main target groups.
Broumov is located on the periphery, which is why we try to connect it as much as possible with regional, national and European partners, so that new doors can be opened for the city and its residents. The library has long been developing and deepening its partnership with the Municipal Library in Nowa Ruda (PL). Since 2021 we have been implementing projects together within the Interreg programme. The main aim of this year project is to encourage cross-border cooperation between the local authorities of the four partners, the Olga Tokarczuk Foundation and the local community. We are approaching this goal together by implementing various socio-cultural initiatives. These initiatives preserve and promote border traditions interesting to border residents. They also make cultural life more attractive for urban and rural residents who often do not have the opportunity to participate in cultural events. In 2025, the library is extending Czech-Polish cooperation with the Tadeusz Różewicz Municipal Public Library in Wrocław. Together we will participate in the Erasmus+ project and share examples of good practice in sustainability and public outreach.
Broumov is located on the periphery, which is why we try to connect it as much as possible with regional, national and European partners, so that new doors can be opened for the city and its residents. The library has long been developing and deepening its partnership with the Municipal Library in Nowa Ruda (PL). Since 2021 we have been implementing projects together within the Interreg programme. The main aim of this year project is to encourage cross-border cooperation between the local authorities of the four partners, the Olga Tokarczuk Foundation and the local community. We are approaching this goal together by implementing various socio-cultural initiatives. These initiatives preserve and promote border traditions interesting to border residents. They also make cultural life more attractive for urban and rural residents who often do not have the opportunity to participate in cultural events. In 2025, the library is extending Czech-Polish cooperation with the Tadeusz Różewicz Municipal Public Library in Wrocław. Together we will participate in the Erasmus+ project and share examples of good practice in sustainability and public outreach.
Global challenges
The project is about creating a unique place in a small town that will have an impact on local residents. However, in its programming, it will bring global themes and work with them. The Centre's programme also includes public events that work with the themes of other global challenges. The library already hosts events on sustainability, climate or democracy promotion. These include events such as creative workshops, lectures, moderated discussions, photo and film screenings and author readings.
The Centre is a place that will serve everyone without distinction, including socially excluded groups or people on the edge of poverty. All services are provided free of charge, so anyone can participate. Library staff are then the ones who accompany vulnerable groups through all services, helping them to find important sources of information, work on the computer and improve their skills.
The Centre will offer a space that will meet the needs of current inhabitants and event organisers alike, and that will be designed to accommodate a larger number of people than the old library space. This will mean that more people will be able to take part in actions that work with global challenges and bring solutions to them. In the past, for example, we have organised workshops on sustainability and upcycling old materials, local vegetable and honey production and climate talks.
The Centre is a place that will serve everyone without distinction, including socially excluded groups or people on the edge of poverty. All services are provided free of charge, so anyone can participate. Library staff are then the ones who accompany vulnerable groups through all services, helping them to find important sources of information, work on the computer and improve their skills.
The Centre will offer a space that will meet the needs of current inhabitants and event organisers alike, and that will be designed to accommodate a larger number of people than the old library space. This will mean that more people will be able to take part in actions that work with global challenges and bring solutions to them. In the past, for example, we have organised workshops on sustainability and upcycling old materials, local vegetable and honey production and climate talks.
Learning transferred to other parties
The project of the Centre is primarily an example of good practice for similar small towns in rural areas. It shows that even in such small towns on the periphery, an architecturally valuable place can be created that has a great social impact on the local community and the quality of life of the local inhabitants. We can share experiences in these areas:
The use of tangible cultural heritage - The Centre is an example of how to sensitively build on the history of a place while creating a modern place for the needs of today's residents. This is an example of the conversion of a listed building for 21st century purposes.
Intersectoral cooperation - The Centre is also an example of how a town library can be developed into a place not only for books and readers, but for the general public and professionals alike. A space where different groups of residents and professionals meet and together create the future of the city and the region. A place that is a safe space for all without distinction.
Interdisciplinarity and public participation - The Centre project is also proof of the need to take an interdisciplinary approach to such projects and to involve the general public. Involving people not only increases their civic engagement, but above all deepens their connection to the place where they live and their sense of ownership. In the time we have been involved in public participation in Broumov, we have a relatively sophisticated system of participatory planning that is transferable to other small towns in Europe. See Annex 6 for more information.
The use of tangible cultural heritage - The Centre is an example of how to sensitively build on the history of a place while creating a modern place for the needs of today's residents. This is an example of the conversion of a listed building for 21st century purposes.
Intersectoral cooperation - The Centre is also an example of how a town library can be developed into a place not only for books and readers, but for the general public and professionals alike. A space where different groups of residents and professionals meet and together create the future of the city and the region. A place that is a safe space for all without distinction.
Interdisciplinarity and public participation - The Centre project is also proof of the need to take an interdisciplinary approach to such projects and to involve the general public. Involving people not only increases their civic engagement, but above all deepens their connection to the place where they live and their sense of ownership. In the time we have been involved in public participation in Broumov, we have a relatively sophisticated system of participatory planning that is transferable to other small towns in Europe. See Annex 6 for more information.
Next steps
At the end of 2025, the Centre building will be completed and approved. From December 2025, the new Centre will be inaugurated and will begin to perform its functions for the public. We want to treat the opening as a big celebration for the general and professional public, as a thank you to everyone who participated in the preparation and implementation of the projects, but also as a request for others to become co-creators of the center's program content.<br />
The vision of the center's operation is in accordance with the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus. We want to continue to fulfill and develop them so that they mainly have an impact on the quality of life of local residents and temporary visitors to the city. <br />
Sustainability, Participation and Beauty are the basic values of the project - both within the ongoing reconstruction and in the future functioning of the Centre.<br />
Infrastructure or public space
Yes
Political support
Yes
Monetary value awarded
No
