The project entitled “Skarby z cieszyńskiej trówły” (The Treasures from the Cieszyn Trówła) is an interdisciplinary undertaking to present the accomplishments of artists and craftsmen from Cieszyn Silesia. (Trówła, in older times, was a chest that a bride of this region got as a dowry with all the “treasures”.) The organizers are also keen to rouse interest in local history, tradition and art and to promote, more efficiently, the local cultural potential.       The program is realized annually during the last weekend in September and all Cieszyn’s cultural institutions, schools and non government organizations join in the organizing process. After 2002 the group of the organizers has been enlarged by cultural institutions from Czech-Cieszyn. A considerable diversity in the program makes it possible to combine the tradition and folklore of Ziemia Cieszynska (District of Cieszyn), including artistic craft workshops and workshops of the “dying” professions, with modern forms of contemporary art. An equally important purpose of the project is for each constituent of the program (the “treasures” from the title) to provide the participants with an opportunity to leave the passive role of consumers of culture and adopt the active role of participants and creators. For this reason the organizers attach importance to the intimate, small-scale character of most undertakings that ensures close contact with the artist.
      Up till now the following people (among others) have taken part in “Skarby z cieszyńskiej trówły”: Józef and Joszko Broda, Janusz Kohut, Wiesław Cienciała (electronic music), Joanna Bośniak-Górniok (harpsichord), and Ewa Jaślar (harp). Also, exhibitions and presentations were organized and they included Jerzy Fober (sculpture), Władysław Rudyk (spatial forms), Adam Molenda (multimedia) and Władysław Szpyrc (painting on glass). Theatrical performances by Cieszyn Theatre Studio, Cafe “Avion” (from Czech Cieszyn) and Tadeusz Sławek and Bogdan Mizerski duet were presented. Special educational “trails”, connected with the history of Cieszyn ( e.g. a “trail” of Jewish monuments, a castle “trail”, a “trail” devoted to the activity of rev. J.L.Szersznik) are enjoying growing popularity. An important element is shows and workshops of arts and crafts and workshops of “dying” professions out of which the following have been presented: Cieszyn filigree (jeweller’s craft), a so-called “szyfterstwo” (a technique used in gunsmithing) and ceramic art. Also the making of Cieszyn costume and highlander costume: the making of moccasins, overcoats and trouser legs, different kinds of laces and different kinds of embroidery.
      The main addressees of the project are the inhabitants of Cieszyn Silesia from both sides of the Olza river, and tourists. The attractive scenery of the Castle Hill and the variety of activities that address people of different ages encourage whole families to participate. Because of the educational values of many of the planned undertakings pupils of all types of schools take an active part in the program.