The Central Slovakia Cultural Centre
regional institution for non-professional culture and public education
regional institution for non-professional culture and public education
Stredoslovenské osvetové stredisko Banská Bystrica (SOSBB) is a regional institution for non-professional culture and public education which seeks to create the conditions for the development of local and regional cultures, to develop public interest in artistic and cultural activities, to preserve the cultural symbols of the region and to provide cultural and educational activities for citizens of all age groups and ethnicities.
It offers expert advice and methodological guidance in culture and education; prepares and implements cultural and educational programmes, develops projects and programmes in co-operation with the towns and villages in the region.
Activities include performances of music and dance, film screenings, art exhibitions, festivals, competitions, educational activities, folk culture and folk crafts.
The Central Slovakia Cultural Centre, Banská Bystrica (SOSBB) originally the House of Culture was founded on September 3, 1952, and became the main organizer of cultural life in the district of Banská Bystrica (now the districts of Brezno and Banská Bystrica). Since its inception, the institution has changed its name several times and in 2002 also the seat. From the original building on Horná Street no. 21, the institution moved to the building on Dolná Street no. 35, which is included in the list of national cultural monuments. Originally a Renaissance burgher house was built on older foundations, as shown by archaeological finds of many Gothic tiles. These findings are proof that in the 15th century there was a workshop dealing with the production of tiles. After a fire in 1761, the building was rebuilt several times and the current appearance of the façade is from the 19th century.