In this summer, our dedicated Sparse PLUS – Supporting & Promoting Arts in Rural Settlements of Europe professional team embarked on a tour of the five municipalities where the SPARSE Plus TeatRom Festival will take place (Alsóvadász, Sajókaza and Borsodbóta) this mid-October. This early visit was essential to ensure everything is set for an amazing event.
During our tour, we had the pleasure of meeting three wonderful local promoters: Anna, Eva, Hajni, and Hajni’s professional supporter Juli. We also visited Homrogd and Szendrőlád, where Krisztián and Norbert have joined the local SPARSE Plus team. We explored the future venues for the performances, getting a feel for the spaces and the communities. For some of us, it was a first introduction to these beautiful localities, but for Balázs Simon as a leader of the Utcaszínházi Alkotóközösség, who has been working in the area for a long time, it was a chance to share his deep connections with the local community. Meanwhile, Márton Beke focused on discovering new possibilities for community organization around the performances.
The highlight of this tour was a collaborative meeting in Miskolc at the Dr. Ámbédkár School, where local promoters from five different settlements came together. This gathering was more than just an exchange of ideas—it was a milestone in fostering connections among local promoters. Although some of them had previously crossed paths, this was the first time they met as a festival crew. The day was not just about introductions; it was also a significant step in the preparation for the upcoming festival week from October 5-11, 2024, which programme’s will remain a secret for a while.
Building on the fifteen-year legacy of Utcaszínházi Alkotóközösség, the festival has been aptly named “TeatRom” in 2015. The Teatrom Festival 2024‘s programmes will be the result of the active work of the Sparse Plus project’s promoters. This new chapter reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the region and the collaborative spirit that continues to drive these communities forward.