News

Iva Hraste-Sočo, General Manager of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, has received the “Tihomir Premužak” Award for Positive Social Impact, presented by the Croatian Association of Managers and Entrepreneurs (HUM-CROMA) as part of its Manager of the Year awards. The decision was made by an expert jury and the HUM-CROMA Board following a formal evaluation process.

The award recognises General Manager Hraste-Sočo’s successful leadership of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, the institution’s strong social impact, and its outstanding business results. In particular, the CNT concluded 2025 with a significant surplus, confirming its financial stability and responsible management.

During her tenure, a historic milestone was achieved with the opening of the new HNK2 stage, through which the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb has expanded its programme and production capacities, further opened itself to new audiences, and strengthened its role as a contemporary, accessible and socially relevant cultural institution.

The award ceremony took place on 19 February in the Emerald Hall of the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb.

In her speech, Dr Iva Hraste-Sočo emphasised: “I would like to thank all my colleagues at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb: our artists, the Technical Department, administration, and my closest team. Without their dedication, professionalism and daily work, none of the progress, results or realisation of my vision would have been possible. I see this award as an encouragement to continue building public cultural institutions responsibly, boldly and openly as institutions that have meaning, purpose and a real social impact.”

This recognition further underscores the importance of responsible, professional and visionary leadership in public cultural institutions, as well as the role of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb as one of the country’s key cultural institutions