The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage launched the Chopin 2010 Promesa program in connection with the Year of Chopin in 2010. The program principally aims to ensure that the Chopin 2010 celebrations are adequately prepared and followed through and that Polish culture is promoted domestically and abroad by way of various initiatives connected with the life and work of Chopin. The program has a budget of zl.50 million. Public institutions, local government bodies and non-governmental organizations, churches and religious groups, schools and artistic academies were among those who could submit ideas and apply for grants.

Funding was available for such things as festivals and competitions, theatrical, cinematic and literary projects, activities promoting the oeuvre of Chopin through exhibitions, publications or conferences, or by renovating or making sculptures or commemorative plaques of the composer.

The Frederic Chopin Institute is responsible for managing the program and allocating grants. Applications closed Oct. 9.

M.B.