On the 20th of April 2017, the town of Ostrów Mazowiecka signed an agreement with the Masovian Voivodeship for the co-financing of the “Culture under Pressure” project, realised as part of the Priority Axis V “Sustainable Economy”, Action 5.3 “Cultural Heritage” of the Masovian Voivodeship Regional Operations Program for the years 2014-2020.

Co-financing: “Culture Under Pressure”
 
Implementation: 08/04/2016 – 28/09/2020
 
Date of the co-financing agreement: 20/04/2017
 
Co-financing agreement number: RPMA.05.03.00-14-6033/16-00
 
Amount received as part of EU co-financing: 3,442,625.15 PLN
 
Complete project worth: 5,044,463.46 PLN
 
Project purpose: Improving accessibility to cultural resources through their development and effective use.

As part of the project, two existing landmarks in Ostrów Mazowiecka, the Pilecki Family House Museum on Warszawska Street and the Old Power Station on 11 Listopada Street, were adapted for cultural purposes. The total expenditure for the “Culture Under Pressure” project is valued at 5,044,463.46 PLN, from which 3 442,625.15 PLN is part of the co-financing allocated from the funds of the Masovian Voivodeship’s Regional Operations Program for the years 2014-2020.
 
The goal of the project was to improve accessibility to cultural landmarks and facilities located in the town of Ostrów Mazowiecka and radically increase the cultural potential of the Ostrołęka subregion by forming regionally accessible cultural landmarks. Furthermore, the immediate goals of the project also include:
 

• increased accessibility and quality of cultural events on offer in Ostrów Mazowiecka and the Ostrołęka Problem Area,
• promotion of cultural heritage associated with Captain Witold Pilecki and the Cursed Soldiers,
• protection and conservation of the Pilecki Family House Museum and Old Power Station buildings,
• effective use of the Museum’s and Old Power Station’s potential as a cultural events venue,
• encouragement of the local community to visit the museum and Old Power Station.

 
As part of the “Culture Under Pressure” project, a series of tasks were undertaken to reach the planned goals. Technical documentation allowed for construction and assembly work to be carried out, which led to the modernisation and renovation of the buildings in question. The project was completed under the supervision of a construction manager. Furnishings for the Pilecki Family House Museum and the Old Power Station buildings were also purchased. A virtual tour of the Pilecki Family House Museum was produced to ensure the building was accessible remotely.
 
Thanks to the acquired financing from the European Union we were able to revitalise the family home of Maria (née Ostrowska, the wife of Captain Witold Pilecki). The remainder of the landmark: a new extension pavilion and the garden were financed using funds from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.