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The material presented in this book forms part of a research project called Development of Organizational Theatre Systems in EU countries financed by the Polish National Science Centre. The study, carried out between 2013 and 2016, was aimed at describing organizational theatre systems in selected European countries. It began as a project with a Polish perspective on European theatre systems, but quickly expanded into an international group of researchers interested in the topic. This anthology presents the diversity of European systems, as reflected by the composition and work of the group. Particular attention has been paid to diverse historical, political and social traditions, which affected the theatre systems in question. The development of each system is described in chronological order, supported by comprehensive examination of, for example, cultural policy and various forms of organization, their institutional, administrative and legal structures, as well as different sources of financing and subsidy. The focus of each research contribution is determined by the specific theatre system of each country: its history, political restrictions and cultural characteristics. However, the attempt to capture the complex and multifaceted structure of theatre systems has resulted in some general findings. The readers may explore this book guided by interest in a certain country, the differences between countries, or the approach to the specific theatre system. Each chapter presents the development of the system with different amount of focus on historical, political, social and cultural conditions. The whole volume demonstrates that in each country the system was shaped in a specific way, dealing with indigenous circumstances, in response to recognized social needs. We hope that some solutions may be inspiring for the future strengthening of artistic institutions in Europe, but it is clear that none of these models are universal and can be transferred directly from one