Actor Marius Manole supports the renovation of the auditorium at the College of Arts

The auditorium renovation at the "Ciprian Porumbescu" College of Arts in Suceava is one of the most ambitious and complex projects initiated by Fundația Umanitară ASSIST. Over the past three years, we have helped improve classrooms and laboratories in schools across the county, but this initiative has moved even further. 

Our purpose is to provide young people and the Suceava community with a modern auditorium that meets the highest European standards. This project would not be possible without the generosity of everyone who donated from day one and those who joined our cause along the way. Among the most recent supporters is the well-known actor Marius Manole, who chose to make a public appeal to help raise funds. His message was soon amplified by other prominent public figures, including Maia Morgenstern, Oana Pellea, and many others.

“We are deeply grateful for all the support and help in gathering the necessary funding for renovating the auditorium at the "Ciprian Porumbescu" College of Arts. Every act of generosity and every contribution brings us closer to our shared dream of offering young people in Suceava a space that truly honors their talent. This auditorium, with its rich history and thousands of performances hosted, has witnessed the early steps of many artists. After decades of use, time and wear have become evident. Now is the time to bring this cultural symbol back to life.” declared Catalina Micliuc, vice-president of Fundația Umanitară ASSIST.  

A community united for a greater cause

Marius Manole is one of the people who understood the importance of this renovation project and responded positively to our call for support. During his visit to Suceava as part of the International Festival "Matei Vișniec Theatre Days," he impressed the audience with his exceptional stage mastery and friendly manners. Our volunteers had the chance to meet him in the theatre lobby before the play "Regina nopții," which Fundația Umanitară ASSIST supported. 

That's when he also learned about our bold renovation project. As he shared: 

"Building an auditorium feels like an extraordinary gesture. A place where teenagers can express themselves, where emotions can exist freely. Last night, just before going to the play, I saw a few volunteers handing out flyers. They weren't asking for anything, weren't pushy, weren't bothering anyone. They made me curious, so I took one. The flyer said: 'Support the renovation of the auditorium at the Ciprian Porumbescu College of Arts in Suceava.' And I thought: in a time when so many things are being torn down, a few young people choose to build. In Suceava! I promised myself I'd help out." 

His post was shared by over 160 people, including Maia Morgenstern, Oana Pellea, and Medeea Marinescu. This support added to the generosity shown by the community at the Christmas Charity Concert organized by Fundația Umanitară ASSIST in December 2024. Thanks to the altruism of donors and sponsors: SERCOM Electric, NOVAOPTIC, and Clover Ride Sharing we raised an initial sum of 6.690 EUR. ASSIST Software also stepped in, matching the donations of individuals with a sponsorship of double value. 

We are also grateful to EGGER for covering the flooring materials, architect Peter Eickholt for developing the project according to European standards, and designer Cezar Ciornei, who is bringing out the functional and visual value of the renovated auditorium. 

A promising start  

At the Ciprian Porumbescu College of Arts, renovation work has already begun, including removing the old seats and dismantling the worn flooring. This is just the first step in a comprehensive transformation that will include remaking the walls, replacing windows and doors, installing new seating and flooring, and upgrading the entire electrical and lighting systems. The finished auditorium will meet the highest functionality standards, with all elements designed to preserve the room's acoustic quality. The new design will also bring significant visual upgrades, aligning sound and aesthetics in a harmonious and professional environment.