Wroclaw 2016 - brochure

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W ROC Ĺ AW Spaces for Beauty


Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s F o r e w o r d  3

B e au t y i n S i g h t  3 0

W r o c ł aw, p r o n o u n c e d V r o t s L o v e   7

I n t i m at e B e au t y  3 3

Foreword

O u r d i a g n o s i s  9

B e au t y i n C y b e r s pa c e  3 6

O u r R e a s o n s  13

F o r c e s o f N at u r e – P o w e r o f C u lt u r e  39

C o n c e p t A n d Sl o g a n  19

R e c l a i m i n g B e au t y  4 2

The idea of European Capital of Culture came to life in 1985, conceived by the then Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri and Jack Lang, her French

W r o c ł aw: L a b o r at o r y o f M a n y C u lt u r e s  2 0

N e w s pa c e s f o r b e au t y  4 3

E u r o p e o f d i v e r s i t y, o p p o r t u n i t y, a n d r e s p o n s i -

S ta k e h o l d e r s  4 4

b i l i t y  21

O u r pa r t n e r r e g i o n  4 5

counterpart. The European Capital of Culture is the widest-reaching cultural

O u r p r o g r a mm e  23

H o n o r a r y Pat r o n s o f W r o c ł aw ’s C u lt u r e  4 6

programme of the European Union and also one that is the most widely known

T h e m e s  2 4

D r a m at u r g y a n d l e n g t h o f c e l e b r at i o n s  47

L e a d p r o g r a mm e s  25

B e n e f i t s o f b e i n g EC o C  49

P r o j e c t s a n d Ev e n t s  2 6

C a l e n d a r o f Ev e n t s  5 0

O p e n i n g u p S pa c e s  2 7

I n s t i t u t i o n o f C u lt u r e W r o c ł aw 2 016   52

among the citizens of Europe. Over time, the title of European Capital of Culture has grown in importance to such an extent that it has become subject to European Commission regulation. The success of this initiative, comparable with that attained by the Erasmus student and academic staff exchange programme, is so huge that it has become a model for similar concepts now being developed on other continents.


The European Capital of Culture idea

and substantial increase in their partici-

by the city’s team gained great recognition

stimulate civic life in Lower Silesia. De-

scientific, political, and cultural events.

soon morphed into a project that reached

pation in cultural events. Many new build-

from the international selection panel, as

velopment and promotion of culture is a

The economic and political stability of

far outside the confines of cultural insti-

ings – temples of culture – were built; the

a result of which Wrocław was shortlisted

prerequisite for progress in the creative

the capital of Lower Silesia have earned

tutions. Most of the cities that have been

appearance and the infrastructure of the

for the next phase of the competition.

economy, whose importance in today’s

the city a name as a reliable partner.

awarded this prestigious title have treated

cities were improved; employment rose

In qualifying for the second stage of

it not just as an occasion to stage a great

significantly; and sustainable growth was

the selection process, our city gained a

The past twenty years of transfor-

connoisseurs of art, it is not a major holi-

year-long festival of festivals and cultural

seen in the numbers of tourist arrivals.

unique opportunity. The title is a chance

mations in Poland have made our city

day destination for European tourists.

world is ever greater.

Although Wrocław is often visited by

events but above all as a pretext for com-

What was the most important effect

to intensify the cultural development of

economically mature. Wrocław is a sta-

The splendid traditions of the city’s cul-

prehensive transformation of themselves,

in most cases, however, was that the vast

both the city of Wrocław and the region of

ble centre of industry and innovation, a

tural institutions are not accompanied by

for enhancing their cultural and urban in-

majority of the residents of the European

Lower Silesia and to significantly increase

responsible partner in relationships with

widespread participation of the inhabit-

frastructure, and for bringing culture and

Capitals of Culture turned into more active

the participation of the inhabitants of the

business and political counterparties all

ants in its cultural life. We want our city

art to the fore in urban space and in the

and more aware citizens, while the cities

city and region in cultural events. We also

over the world. The cultural and social

to become a European Capital of Culture

lives of their citizens.

themselves redefined their identities gain-

want the development of the cultural of-

maturity of Wrocław goes hand in hand

because we want its urban and economic

ing permanent places in the consciousness

fering, the establishment of new cultural

with the energy and youthfulness of its

development to be paralleled by growth

of the peoples of Europe.

The year 2010 marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the launch of the European

institutions, and the enhancement of the

residents. Our city has been consistently

in the most important sphere – culture.

Capital of Culture programme. The conse-

With this very aim in mind, Wrocław,

attractiveness of our region as a tourist

pursuing a long-term strategy to gain a

Our potential provides assurance that the

quences of implementing this huge project

the Polish city with a particularly compli-

destination to lead to the creation of new

significant place on the map of Europe.

European Capital of Culture 2016 event in

in each of the European Capitals of Culture

cated history, where a search for identity

jobs in the region, improvement in the liv-

Wrocław has repeatedly demonstrated

Wrocław will be a success and proof of the

so far have been unequivocally positive

has a special significance, decided to apply

ing standards of the people of Wrocław

that it can rise to serious challenges and

city’s full, European maturity.

and far-reaching. In most cases, they went

for the title of European Capital of Culture.

and Lower Silesia, and an increase in the

draw conclusions from its defeats; with all

The city authorities are fully deter-

far beyond the initial expectations. The

The first stage of our effort was a sig-

numbers of students at institutions of

our experience we are still eager to learn.

mined to succeed in the effort to secure

citizens of the cities designated European

nificant success. Wrocław’s proposed ap-

higher education in the city and region.

Wrocław’s maturity provides an assurance

the prestigious title of European Capital

Capitals of Culture gained a sustainable

plication and the presentation prepared

Above all, it is a unique opportunity to

of safety in undertaking major business,

of Culture for Wrocław and Lower Silesia.

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Attaining this goal will not be possible without the active participation, involvement, and support from the local governments, the business sector, the academic community, NGOs, artists, and all

W r o c ł aw, P r o n o u n c e d vrotslove

residents. Backing for our initiative from all these constituencies will be crucial for our efforts; indeed, it is a sine qua non for success in this competition. By acting together, we can gain a new opportunity to stimulate growth in Lower Silesia and its main city. If our bid is successful, the year 2016 will offer Wrocław a unique chance to showcase

Wrocław, a Polish city with a cosmopolitan history, is a reduced model of

its cultural life to Europe. The year will be filled with festivals,

Europe where the greatest diversity has accumulated within a small space.

concerts, conferences, and other artistic and cultural projects that will make the capital city of Lower Silesia the focus of atten-

Openness has been a constitutive feature of our city throughout its history.

tion of not only the city, the region, and the nation, but also the

Wrocław is also a cultural laboratory, in which a process of mutual meta-

entire continent.

morphoses of various cultures, coming into contact in this city in the past and today, goes on continuously.

Professor Adam Chmielewski Director of Wrocław 2016

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W r o c ł aw h a s . . .

W r o c ł aw i s w h e r e . . .

… a history that goes back 1,010 years; … 25 islands formed by more than 20 rivers; … 200 bridges; … a population of 636,350, including 150 gnomes; … one of the largest and oldest town squares in Europe; … a preserved city moat.

… Jerzy Grotowski ran his Laboratory Theatre; … Krzysztof Kieślowski took his first film-making steps; … the poet Tadeusz Różewicz has his home; … Pablo Picasso drew his dove of peace on a paper napkin in a hotel restaurant; … 10 Nobel prize winners have worked at some point; … the World Congress of Intellectuals for Peace, attended by famous intellectuals from around the world, was held in 1948; …a European Congress of Culture will be held during Poland’s presidency of the European Union; … Guitarists gather in the town square annually to play Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe” together; in 2009 the piece was played by 6,346 musicians setting a Guinness World Record.

W r o c ł aw i s …

… the 34th largest city in the European Union in terms of population; … the number one city in Europe in terms of population of resident gnomes; … the city that has for the past several years had the largest per capita capital investment budget in Poland; … the city that has for the past few years enjoyed the fastest economic growth in Poland.

W r o c ł aw. . .

… will co-host the EURO 2012 UEFA European Football Championship; … tops rankings of Polish cities with the best ratings from their residents; … is the third most popular brand in Poland, after the Catholic Church and Kraków; … hosts the Wratislavia Cantans and Era New Horizons festivals; … has had more than fifty names; … is pronounced VrotsLove.

W r o c ł aw i s h o m e t o…

… the District of Tolerance, a small area shared by the houses of worship of four different religious denominations: an Orthodox church, a Roman Catholic church, a Lutheran church, and a synagogue; … the Olympic Stadium; … the Centennial Hall, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List; … 13 theatres and 6 museums; … the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice, the largest painting in Poland, measuring 1,710 square metres. 8

O u r D i ag n o s i s

We, the citizens of Wrocław, want our city to be the European Capital of Culture in 2016. Our desire springs from many sources. We are glad to be a member, happy to have returned to the community of European nations, from which we were still separated by impassable barriers just two decades ago. We are pleased with the melting away of borders, until recently so difficult to cross for most of us. We welcome the inspirations and impulses flowing from the European Union, stimulating Poland to grow and helping to bring about the long-awaited metamorphosis of this country and our city.


The people of Wrocław, citizens of a city

tion on the industrial and cultural maps

ing to a lower standard of living, histori-

strongly in the relatively less affluent re-

the lives of individuals and social groups,

with a cosmopolitan history, friendly to

of Poland. However, questions about what

cal separation, and insufficient language

gion of Central and Eastern Europe.

which they can do without with little dam-

visitors from other parts of the world,

Wrocław will be like are much more im-

skills, the culture of the Poles remains

wish to promote greater mutual acquaint-

portant to us than those about what it is

largely a national one.

ance among the peoples of Europe in the

like at present.

Spending on culture accounts for only

age to the quality of their life.

a tiny fraction of Polish households’ budg-

While welcoming many aspects of the

We are aware that Wrocław’s experi-

ets, averaging the equivalent of €300 per

two decades of political, social, and eco-

sphere of culture. Our city, proud of its

Direct reserves, which have been the

ence is shared by many cities with similar

person a year. In this respect, Poland ranks

nomic transformations of this country, we

multiethnic and multicultural past, feels

source of our growth so far, have largely

histories, cities that have been undergo-

last but one among the European Un-

also see inequalities in the distribution of

predestined to promote deeper cultural

been exhausted; the next stage must stem

ing fast, not always favourable transfor-

ion countries. In its neighbouring coun-

the wealth created by the inhabitants of

integration among Europeans. We are mo-

from civic, social, professional, and crea-

mations. We do believe that Wrocław’s

tries, Germans on average spend €1,500;

Wrocław. As a result, many of the city’s

tivated by a sense of duty towards the his-

tive activity. We hope to encourage the

positive response may be followed by

Czechs, €700; and Slovaks, €400. The Pol-

residents, who are Wrocław’s largest as-

toric and contemporary cultural achieve-

citizens’ participation in culture, through

other cities in our region of Europe, full

ish state spends just 0.36 per cent of the

set, are excluded from participation in

ments of Wrocław and the creators of this

which we want to build up a stock of public

of communist-era apartment blocks and

country’s GDP to fund culture.

culture. We are entering the competition

heritage, representing various national

trust.

a post-communist mentality that is more

These facts have adverse consequenc-

for the title of European Capital of Culture

es for the development of culture both na-

convinced that we can change that, as we

Wrocław is preparing to compete for

tionwide and in our region. We want to use

believe that a life devoid of contact with

the title of European Capital of Culture at

the opportunity afforded by the contest for

works of authentic art is impoverished and

a time of global economic turbulence that

the title of European Capital of Culture to

incomplete.

has set in after decades of global expan-

raise the awareness of the Polish and the

History brought extensive destruc-

want to avert the emergence of intoler-

sion of capitalism. The global economic

European public to the importance of cul-

tion to the urban fabric of the city and put

lisational leap and gets the best ratings

ance by developing an inclusive culture.

expansion and the no less global economic

ture in the life of every human being. Our

up powerful barriers to its development,

from its own residents. We are proud of

We believe that the economic and politi-

disorders have greatly destabilised the so-

decision has been motivated by the belief

which remained in place for long decades.

Wrocław’s accomplishments of the past

cal aspects of social integration in Poland

cial fabric of many countries in the world.

that culture cannot be treated as a mere

During the past twenty years, Wrocław

twenty years and its ever stronger posi-

are well ahead of cultural integration. Ow-

These consequences are felt particularly

supplement to the material aspects of

has attempted to fill up the most glaring

and ethnic backgrounds. We wish Euro-

We are aware that economic success is

peans to learn about and appreciate the

bound to bring along the phenomena well-

contributions of former and present in-

known to the cities of Western Europe: an

habitants of this city to the spiritual life

influx of immigrants leading to a greater

of our continent and the whole world.

social, ethnic, and religious diversity. We

Wrocław is a city that has made a civi-

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adaptive than creative.

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gaps and deficiencies in the strongly damaged cultural infrastructure of the city. Despite many successes, this effort is still far from complete. Our bid for the title of European Capital of Culture is

Our Reasons

also seen as an incentive to transform our city in the area of cultural infrastructure. In seeking the title of European Capital of Culture, we want to oppose the instrumentalisation of culture and art and their exploitation in the service of other, especially economic, interests.

Culture is not merely a supplement to the material aspects of the lives of in-

While fully aware of the relationships between economics and

dividuals and social groups, which they can do without with little damage to

culture as well as of the fact that culture can be a factor stimulating economic growth, we are deeply convinced that works of art

the quality of their lives. Having obligations towards the historical heritage

and culture can only play such a stimulating and growth-fostering

and contemporary cultural achievements and to its past and present crea-

role if they are treated as goals in themselves, irreducible to oth-

tors representing many nations as well as wishing to support the process of

ers. We believe that high culture and truly great works of art can

cultural integration of Polish society with the peoples of Europe, a process that

only be created in an environment of authentic freedom from economic, political, and ideological pressures.

lags behind economic and political integration, we formulate our reasons.

Wrocław’s European Capital of Culture programme will be a festival and a dialogue of the cultures of the European peoples, whom we wish to invite to Wrocław in 2016. We believe that a culturally festive Wrocław can provide an answer to questions about the future of Europe, a Europe of many cultures and a Europe of active citizens.

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Reason One: T h e Fa b r i c o f o u r H i s t o r y

Over the course of its history spanning more than a thousand years, Wrocław has been a place where different peoples and

Reason Two:

individuals have met. These meetings have woven an ex-

M u lt i p l e I d e n t i t y

tremely complex history. It is these meetings that the people

History set today’s inhabitants of Wrocław a particularly difficult

of Wrocław want to tell Europe about.

task: when settling in the city 65 years ago, we had to cope with

Reason Three:

its multiethnic past. We also had to find our own way of coming

T h e F l o w e r a n d Em e r a l d o f E u r o p e

to terms with the past. These two challenges have formed our

Our city wants to be ambassador for Lower Silesia, the region

unique ‘multiple identity’: we have transformed a foreign city

to which it owes its metropolitan position. The Poles living in

into our own, and in the process we have undergone a metamor-

Wrocław and Lower Silesia want to present their achievements

Ov e r c o m i n g E n i g m at i c i t y

phosis ourselves. We want to share with Europe our experience

in the field of preserving the Lower Silesian architectural herit-

Wrocław is seeking designation as European Capital of Culture

of dealing with the difficult task that history gave us: building up

age. We also want to draw the attention of the European public to

because it is seen as a unique opportunity to overcome Wrocław’s

a new identity of a city and its inhabitants.

the fact that much of this heritage is at risk of irretrievable loss

enigmaticity. The Polish inhabitants of polysemiotic Wrocław

and in need of urgent restoration.

want it to become permanently rooted in the modern European

Reason Four:

consciousness as Wrocław, a Polish and European city.

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Reason Five: C u lt u r e A g a i n s t E xc l u s i o n

We want to propose sustainable solutions aimed at increasing participation in culture by various social groups that are current-

Reason Six:

ly excluded. These include young people, the unemployed, fami-

A g a i n s t C o mm o d i f i c at i o n o f C u lt u r e

lies with many children, seniors, and people with disabilities. As

We consider access to art to be the right of every individual and

a result of various handicaps, they are unable to participate in

a necessary condition for fully empowering people as individu-

Reason Seven:

culture, which impairs the quality of their lives.

als. Wrocław wants to build open-access public spaces that will

C u lt u r e A g a i n s t P u b l i c A g o r a p h o b i a

promote all people’s exposure to works of authentic art and help

Wrocław desires to create friendly Urban spaces that will serve

people derive pleasure from close contact with art.

all its citizens. We want such spaces to make all residents of

Reason Eight:

Wrocław to once again feel at home in their own city. We will give

C u lt u r e A g a i n s t I n t e r pa s s i v i t y

the people of Wrocław a chance to actively create and shape such

Devices developed using the latest technologies play an increas-

spaces – for themselves.

ingly central role both in public life and in personal lives; people actively use them on a daily basis and promote their development and propagation. We also want to raise awareness of the fact that while such devices can facilitate free artistic creation, they will not replace it. We see cyberspace as an important place where to exhibit works of art and culture, interact with them and popularise them, but we want to stress that it will not replace a tangible presence of beauty in the real spaces of human life.

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C o n c e pt a n d S l o ga n

Powód dziewiąty: E c o -A e s t h e t i c s i n D e f e n c e o f N at u r e

Wrocław is at the forefront of the modernisation of Poland and also leads the way in innovation. We want to raise the conscious-

M e ta m o r p h o s e s o f c u lt u r e

stronger impact. This leads to a sharp reduction in infor-

ness of the citizens of Poland and other European countries to

Wrocław’s bid for the title of European Capital of Culture

mation distance and also – paradoxically – to social divi-

mankind’s duties towards nature. We believe that genuine inno-

2016 is encapsulated in the concept of Metamorphoses

sions and social alienation.

vation must be environmentally friendly. Man-made pollution

of Cultures. The concept of Metamorphoses of Cultures

that penetrates into the environment does not respect national

relates to real processes that have been going on in all

S pa c e s f o r B e au t y

borders. This fact must be the foundation for a universal agree-

these areas that have shaped all of Europe in the past; it

Spaces for Beauty is proposed as the slogan for Wrocław’s

ment for environmental protection. We also want it to become

also relates to contemporary processes of cultural and

European Capital of Culture festivities. Our aim is to cre-

an inspiration for critical reflection on the traditional distinction

social changes, particularly intensive in the countries of

ate open, dynamic, and friendly spaces that will serve to

between the world of culture and the world of nature.

the European Union: 1) traditional cultural patterns and

satisfy the human craving for communion with art and

habits are subject to rapid changes due to globalisation

culture. We are guided by a desire to establish the pres-

processes; 2) contemporary cultural developments in Eu-

ence of beauty in social and personal lives. We intend

rope are strongly influenced by the immigration of vari-

to create spaces within which to restore the presence of

ous ethnic groups and followers of different religions; 3)

beauty in public life and in daily habits.

European cultures are also undergoing metamorphoses as a result of the territorial enlargement of the European Union through the inclusion of new countries; 4) the growing role of the Internet and digital communications boosts the flow of information and endows it with an ever

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W r o c ł aw: L a b o r at o ry o f M a n y C u lt u r e s

E u r o p e o f d i v e r s i t y, o pp o r t u n i t y, and responsibilit y

Diversit y

We want the European peoples to be united by the accept-

One of the challenges facing European culture today has

ance of cultural differences into a supranational commu-

to do with the modern-day migrations of large groups of

We believe that the cultural unity of Europe stems from

nity enabling mutual understanding and peaceful coop-

people forced to leave their native lands and seek new

the recognition and acceptance of plurality and diversity

eration. We want to work towards an inclusive European

homes in foreign countries. In Europe, this issue has an

of cultures, perspectives, and world views, rather than

culture.

important historical dimension and is also very topical:

from the hegemonic position of any one of them. Under-

on the one hand, Europe has been shaped by centuries

stood in this way, unity does not obliterate the diversity of

Possibilities

of migrations; on the other hand, migrations continue to

people but rather fully recognises it. We believe that the

We want today’s Europe to rise to these challenges and

shape its face today, and with increasing intensity.

strength of European development lies in Europe’s ability

become a continent that provides equal development opportunities for all its citizens.

The fate of migrants is particularly close to the hearts

to recognise diversity, rather than in its suppression. As

of the inhabitants of Wrocław, descendants of people who,

members of the European Union, we want to participate,

having lost the right to live in their native lands, made a

on an equal footing, in shaping a new European identity.

Responsibilit y

foreign city and region their new home. Now, having put

We see our Eutopia as a Europe founded on the ideas of

Our dream is a Europe that will take responsibility not

down roots here, some of the people of Wrocław have had

diversity, opportunity, and responsibility.

only for the welfare of its citizens. We want the new Eu-

to move on again. Polish Wrocław used to be and still is

rope not to be locked in its own selfishness but to take

a place of constant fusion of diverse cultural horizons: a

responsibility for the fate of the world’s peoples to whom

laboratory of many cultures.

it owes its past and present prosperity.

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The plan of Wrocław’s European Capital of Culture

Our P r o g r a mm e

event, encapsulated in the concept of Metamorphoses of Cultures and in slogan of Spaces for Beauty, has several levels of structure, namely: [1] themes; [2] lead programmes; [3] projects; [4] events. Below we discuss the proposed themes and lead programmes.

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Themes

L e a d p r o g r a mm e s

The themes of Wrocław’s proposal are in the nature of reactions to various social

The themes set out above are the titles of the interdisciplinary and cross-sector

problems that have become the objects of artistic explorations and found criti-

artistic and socio-cultural programmes through which we intend to undertake

cal reflection in works of art and culture. Each of these themes aims to open up

the creation of spaces for beauty in Wrocław and Lower Silesia. For each of the

space for artistic discourse focused on problems of human life that occur in its

five themes we have developed four programmes.

six spaces – natural, social, public, private, intimate, and cyberspace. Wrocław’s proposal for the European Capital of Culture 2016 event will be built around at least the following five themes: Opening up Spaces

Op e n i n g u p s pac e s

I n t i m at e B e au t y

Cultural Bond

Home for Art – Art for Home

Inculturator

Human Body: Artefact–Economy–Politics

Beauty in Sight

European Cultural Passport

Intimate Beauty

Church: Beauty and Kitsch

Parenting Culture Culture of Table and Wine

Beauty in Cyberspace Forces of Nature – Power of Culture

B e au t y i n S i g h t

B e au t y i n C y b e r s pac e

Concrete and Greenery

Wrocław Museum Pavilion

The above themes are accompanied by projects aimed at regenerating Wrocław’s

City Figures

CulTube

numerous cultural facilities and plans to build new ones. These projects are:

Art in Space

LiveArtNet

Reclaiming Beauty

Presence of Form

CyberArchive of Art

New Spaces for Beauty.

F o r c e s o f N at u r e – P o w e r o f C u lt u r e

City of Parks and Gardens Human Needs – Animal Rights River of Culture Energy Recycling

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P r o j e c t s a n d Ev e n t s

The value underlying the Opening up Spaces theme is the

The ideas contained in the above themes and lead programmes will provide inspirations for independent artistic exploration by the cultural operators involved in designing, preparing, and implementing the European Capital of Culture event in Wrocław and Lower Silesia. These ideas will define a plane within which to seek

Op e n i n g Up s pac e s

democratisation of beauty. We believe that widespread availability of cultural goods and broader public access to art will stimulate individuals to assume the

agreement among Wrocław and Lower Silesia cultural institutions and foreign

role of independent and active members of society. By

partners, especially Spanish, when preparing the cultural offering for 2016. They

democratising beauty, we want to restore democracy

will also constitute the criteria for the selection of initiatives proposed by the

to its own original beauty. The aim of these programmes

Wrocław Culture Stakeholder Platform and the Children’s Culture Stakeholder

will be to open up public spaces in which people so far

Platform.

excluded from culture will be able to come into contact with high art, to provide cultural education through the dissemination of knowledge about the cultural heritage of the European peoples and their art, and to develop the aesthetic awareness of the people of Wrocław, Poles, and Europeans. The idea of the Opening up Spaces theme will be pursued through the following lead programmes:

/  Cultural Bond ; /  Inculturator ; /  European Cultural Passport (Lower Silesian Cultural Passport); /  Church: Beauty and Kitsch. 26

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Cultural Bond

centre for interdisciplinary creative explorations. Incultura-

The Lower Silesian Cultural Passport is a pilot programme

by today’s religious works of art. This programme will be im-

tor will be given the use of buildings complete with profes-

to test the European Cultural Passport concept on a region-

plemented in collaboration with other Christian churches as

Wrocław will take steps to remove economic, physical, and

sional recording studios, exhibition spaces, and ateliers. In

al scale. The aim is to create a mechanism encouraging the

well as the Jewish and Muslim communities. In addition, we

mental barriers that hinder participation in cultural events

this way, Wrocław’s beginner artists, but also spontaneous

younger generations to learn about the cultural heritage of

are planning to continue the annual festivals of Jewish and

by excluded people or those with various impairments. This

creative outbursts of teenagers, will be able to find support in

Lower Silesia. The Lower Silesian Cultural Passport will assist

Islamic cultures in 2016.

aim will be served by the Cultural Bond programme, similar

the form of means of artistic expression and exhibition space.

the education of primary and secondary school pupils in the area of fine arts.

to the programme of municipal bonds issued by Wrocław in order to stimulate economic growth. The aim of the Cultural Bond is to stimulate cultural growth, which is no less impor-

European Cultural Passport Church: Beauty and Kitsch

tant for the quality of human life. The Cultural Bond will represent the commitment of the city of Wrocław to work for the

The idea of this programme is to create an incentive mecha-

quality of life of disadvantaged social groups.

nism for pupils of primary and secondary schools that would

The Roman Catholic Church plays an enormous role in the

induce them to visit museums throughout Europe, individu-

political, moral, and spiritual life of Polish society. Although

ally or in groups. It is envisaged that each pupil would be is-

we are witnessing a weakening of the culture-forming role

sued with a passport-format booklet, personalised with the

of religion in Poland, religion still defines and spreads aes-

pupil’s photo and signature. Presentation of the European

thetic models for a large part of the population in our re-

Inculturator will be primarily concerned with the social

Cultural Passport at the entrance to a museum will entitle the

gion and our city. Often, however, the present influences of

dimension of art and favourably disposed towards both

holder to a significant discount off the admission price. This

church aesthetics are evaluated critically, or even strongly

popular and alternative culture. Based on the evaluation of

programme of cultural education for young people will be

negatively. Such strongly negative evaluations concern es-

achievements presented by the aspiring artists, the Incultur-

accompanied by efforts to intensify cultural tourism among

pecially the aesthetic quality of recently built churches, their

ator Programme Board will award scholarships or grants for

the youth using grants from the Ministry of Education and

interior decoration, and the literary quality of church songs.

the applicants to enable them to carry out well-defined artis-

European funds; this idea fits in with the European Union’s

We want to stimulate critical reflection on the iconosphere of

tic projects. The headquarters of Inculturator will become a

tourism promotion policy.

contemporary church art and the symbolic values conveyed

Inculturator


Concrete and Greenery

City Figures

ering, revealing, and restoring beauty within the

Big areas of Wrocław are filled with concrete blocks of flats

Wartime damage deprived Wrocław of numerous sculptures

urban space of Wrocław.

built using industrialised large-panel construction methods.

and statues that used to fill the city. The communist era

As in many Central European countries, such housing estates

brought further destruction and neglect. As part of the pro-

Beauty in Sight includes the following lead pro-

were an important part of the modernisation policy of the

gramme Artists in Residence, Institution of Culture Wrocław

grammes:

communist states. The Concrete and Greenery programme

2016 will approach artists in Wrocław, the rest of Poland,

aims to upgrade the aesthetics of large-panel residential

and abroad with a request that they design sculptures for

buildings and their immediate surroundings. With the par-

our city that will become part of its urban space and a last-

ticipation of the residents we will turn them into green areas.

ing contribution of present-day residents to the appearance

The project envisages planting trees and shrubs, which will

of Wrocław.

The theme Beauty in Sight comprises programmes

B e au t y I n Sight

aimed at increasing the presence of beauty by uncov-

/  /  /  /

Concrete and Greenery; City Figures; Art in Space; Presence of Form.

create well-planned and friendly meeting areas and playgrounds. As part of this programme, anonymous and dehumanised spaces of housing estates will be given individual

Art in Space

traits. One of the ways to individualise buildings on largepanel housing estates will be to paint their exterior walls with

One part of this programme aims to popularise the work of

realistic images of different species of trees, which will be ac-

Wrocław’s contemporary accomplished painters by putting

companied by captions in Latin and in the official languages

up large-scale reproductions of their selected paintings in the

of the European Union nations.

everyday field of view of the residents. The municipality has identified about 120 walls that will be used for such display of local painters’ work. Each year a few of them will be reserved for the presentation of diploma paintings by graduates of Wrocław’s Academy of Art and Design. There are many simi-

30


The objective of the theme Intimate Beauty is to imple-

lar walls outside the city centre. Owing to their unattractive

gramme we want to nurture a strong need for the presence

locations, they are not interesting for advertisers and are left

– in private and public life – of objects being both functional

to present their ugliness in all its splendour. However, they

and aesthetic. This programme will help to develop everyday

are often the object of interest of self-taught amateur artists

demand for beauty. In cooperation with the Design art gallery,

and vandals. We want to hand these wall surfaces to innova-

which has existed in Wrocław for 20 years, we will promote

tive street artists from home and abroad. We want to achieve

modern industrial design in order to help to stimulate innova-

the effect of aesthetic transformation of the neglected sub-

tion in Polish and European industry and to create incentives

This theme will also include a set of events and activi-

urbs and backyards of Wrocław and also, by involving local

for the development of the city’s economy.

ties geared at stimulating reflection on the presence

I n t i m at e B e au t y

ment programmes as a result of which members of modern society will be able to enjoy the close presence of art, not only in public spaces, but also in the space closest to each individual, in the area of their privacy.

communities in the process of creating these works of street

of the human body in various forms of artistic expres-

art – murals – in their immediate surroundings, to develop

sion and in everyday life. One of the goals of this pro-

their interest in art and awaken a need to care for the places

gramme will be to highlight the great cultural role of

where they live.

human physicality and its various aspects. Reflection on the history of the human body in various fields of art will be treated as a tool to stimulate personal contem-

Presence of Form

plation and exploration of the problem.

Industrial design plays an important role in shaping the ma-

The idea of the Intimate Beauty theme will be explored

terial culture of society, and it is also a leading form of in-

through the following lead programmes:

novativeness. Industrial design, based on new technologies, ergonomic solutions, and state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly materials, results in innovative products. The Presence of Form programme will aim to promote modern and innovative industrial design. Through this pro-

/  /  /  /

Home for Art – Art for Home; Human Body: Artefact–Economy– Politics; Parenting Culture; Culture of Table and Wine. 33


Home for Art – Art for Home

Human Body: Artefact–Economy–Politics

Parenting Culture

Culture of Table and Wine

The space of a person’s home has characteristics imparted

Ideals of beauty are shaped, amplified and controlled, stand-

Under the Parenting Culture programme, we want to take

Programme “Culture of wine” is an attempt to change Polish

by that person and reciprocally impacts on that person. The

ardised and varied, and above all exploited by the fashion,

up the issue of Europe’s demographics considered as a prod-

custom of alcohol consumption. It aims to promote consump-

aim of the Art at the Home programme is to open up the space

cosmetic, entertainment, and porn industries. Through the

uct of changes to a large extent determined by the culture

tion of wine instead of other alcohols. For wine is not only an

of our homes – the space that is ordinary, intimate, and rou-

agency of audiovisual media, the ideals of beauty are also ex-

of its inhabitants. The purpose of our programme is to cre-

alcohol: it contains a great variety of taste, it is a drink usually

tine – to the beauty of art. One dimension of this programme,

ploited in the advertising industry and harnessed to work for

ate a cultural climate conducive to young Europeans making

consumed while eating, it triggers the variation of tastes, and

Home as a Work of Art, has the aim of transforming dwellings

various branches of industrial production. Activities aimed at

conscious decisions about having children and to build up

it influences a culture of drinking. Contrary to spirits, often

into places of beauty through artistic interior design and pop-

exposing or covering the human body have become self-con-

cultural support for responsible parenthood.

causing aggression, meetings accompanied by wine also de-

ularisation of models of functionality and beauty. We want

tained branches of art, craft, and industry. Various aspects of

We want to participate in shaping contemporary models

velop a culture of dialogue. Naturalness and ease of Mediter-

to pursue this aim in collaboration with the Association of

human physicality – skin colour, ornaments, hairstyle, dress

of parenting, drawing attention to issues such as 1) increasing

ranean societies is not only influenced by climate but also by

Polish Visual Artists and the Polish Association of Interior

– are also acutely current political issues in Europe, particu-

the role of the father in carrying out the duties arising from

soothing wine.

Designers. To this end, we will organise a series of open inte-

larly in relation to immigrant communities.

having children; 2) teenage mothers in Europe; 3) new meth-

Year 2016, which will bridge Spain and Poland, will be an

rior design workshops. The objective of the other dimension

In Poland, the sphere of the human body, including sexu-

ods of parenthood planning and changing priorities in mak-

excellent opportunity for Poles to learn the culture of wine

of this programme, Home: Pinacotheca, is to overcome the

ality, is surrounded by various taboos and subject to repres-

ing parenthood decisions; 4) new forms of relations between

production and consumption from Spanish people. Wrocław

elitism of this custom. The programme will aim to create in-

sive political and moral regulations. The objective of this pro-

children and parents in European families; and 5) methods

and Lower Silesia want to implement a programme promoting

centives to fill private interiors with works of art (for example

ject will be to open up public space to discussions about the

enabling parents to continue with their careers while having

healthy, responsible wine drinking culture. Wrocław Wine

of local artists).

human body in art and in public life.

children.

Festival will be an occasion to invite Spanish producers and connoisseurs of wine to share their accomplishments and knowledge with inhabitants of Lower Silesia. It will also favour the approach of geographically distant cultures of Poland and Spain as well as Spanish-Polish dialogue – accompanied by wine.


The Beauty in Cyberspace theme aims to use the lat-

B e au t y i n C y b e r s pac e

Wrocław Museum Pavilion

est technologies, including the Internet and com-

amateur artists; CulTube is meant to be a continuous competition for innovative works of art created using new media.

puters, which play a particularly important role

The Wrocław Museum Pavilion is the name of a multipurpose

in the lives of young people, for art education and

facility designed in accordance with guidance from Institu-

popularisation of culture.

tion of Culture Wrocław 2016. The facility will be built at a

LiveArtNet

central location in Wrocław’s Old Town. The Pavilion was The theme will comprise four lead programmes:

/  Wrocław Museum Pavilion; / CulTube; / LiveArtNet; /  CyberArchive of Art.

conceived as a decisive intervention into the urban space of

LiveArtNet is the name for an Internet network to be used

Wrocław by modern architectural art and design. At the same

for direct webcasts of artistic events taking place during

time it has been designed to serve multiple cultural, educa-

the European Capital of Culture year in Wrocław and Lower

tional, and promotional functions.

Silesia in 2016. Every event, whether taking place indoors or outdoors, will be webcast in real time using a system of web cameras.

CulTube

Cameras installed at central locations of the city and the region, attracting the largest numbers of residents and visi-

36

The CulTube programme has been conceived as a network

tors, will present not only artistic events taking place in our

of Internet spaces for beauty, designed to popularise and in-

city but also the beauty of everyday life. LiveArtNet cameras

crease familiarity with works of art and culture and to en-

will be situated in such a way as to allow transmission of im-

courage the creation of such works. This project is meant to

ages of everyday life of Wrocław and Lower Silesia during the

be an artistic complement to the popular YouTube platform.

European Capital of Culture event. We will also choose their

The programme will have a ‘cool’ component named Cool-

locations in such a way as to encourage artists to make spon-

Tube. The scope of the project is unlimited; with proper sup-

taneous improvised presentations in the urban space. In this

port it could repeat the success of YouTube. The CulTube

way LiveArtNet will be an instrument of unrestrained artistic

programme will be used to present works created by young

expression.


CyberArchive of Art CyberArchive of Art is a programme of setting up a Municipal Electronic Archive. The aim of this programme will be to archive the cultural output and the artistic events taking place in Wrocław in 2016. We wish to record the cultural events in Wrocław in electronic form and make them available to

These gardens and the many green areas of Wrocław

Forces of Nature – Power of Culture

attest to the importance that the citizens of the city attach to the natural environment. We would like to use the opportunity presented by the European Capital of Culture year in Wrocław to carry out ecological projects and educational programmes in the area of the natural environment.

future researchers and artists. The records of cultural events taking place in Wrocław in 2016 will be not only a form of

We want to raise awareness of people’s duties to-

documentation of completed projects, but also the main form

wards the world of nature through the following

of preserving the legacy left behind by artists invited to our

programmes:

city. The archive will also be available to Internet users, thus becoming part of the common heritage of European culture.

/  /  /  /

City of Parks and Gardens; Human Needs – Animal Rights; River of Culture; Energy Recycling.

39


City of Parks and Gardens

Human Needs – Animal Rights

River of Culture

Energy Recycling

The programme City of Parks and Gardens is our way of im-

Attitudes towards the world of animals are an important

The River Odra plays a dominant role in Wrocław’s life. We

The aim of the Energy Recycling programme is to activate

plementing the guidelines of the European Landscape Con-

gauge of human culture. This issue has been the subject of

want to draw attention to the unique presence of the river in

creative energy in the service of the development of environ-

vention, known as the Florence Convention, adopted by the

intense debates among modern philosophers of morality and

our city through a series of artistic events, planned to take

mental awareness and everyday care for our close surround-

Council of Europe on 20 October 2000. Wrocław will take ac-

politics; it is also the subject of various regulations in dif-

place on the banks and islands of the river. In the mainstream

ings. The global energy deficit has rekindled debates about

tion to develop, enhance, reclaim, and rehabilitate the city’s

ferent countries. The programme Human Needs – Animal

of one of the branches of the Odra, we plan to place a sphere,

natural sources of natural energy. Energy problems in Europe

forests, parks, gardens, and other green areas with a view to

Rights aims to explore the moral issues arising at the junction

stylistically corresponding to the Wrocław Museum Pavilion,

spark off political and economic disputes and have prompted

improving the quality of life in our city. By restoring nature in

of man’s social space and the world of fauna. We want to take

that will be rotating under the influence of the current. The

Poland to adopt plans to build a nuclear power plant. Never-

the city to proper order, we want to reconnect isolated green

up this issue because the attitudes of some Poles to animals

sphere will serve to attract the attention of the locals and visi-

theless green jobs, renewable energy, and environmentally-

areas by a network of ecological corridors (cycle paths and

have not infrequently aroused controversy. The programme,

tors. It will also serve as a way to symbolically inform people

friendly construction are still not popular in Poland. One of

footpaths, walking alleys). Under this programme, invited

which will be carried out in cooperation with the Wrocław

about the most important events taking place in the city.

our goals will be to change the environmental awareness of

specialists from Wrocław University of Environmental and

Zoo, is meant to open up a space for artistic explorations, the

A similar role will be played by a Gallery on the Water, to be

Polish entrepreneurs. This goal will be served, among oth-

Life Sciences and staff of the University of Wrocław’s Botani-

aim of which will be to promote appropriate moral attitude

built on one of the Odra channels in the city centre. It will be

ers, by an ‘Eco-ECoC’ exhibition in the floating gallery on the

cal Garden will develop projects to enhance and diversify the

towards animals.

used for exhibits of eco-aesthetic art. It will also present the

River Odra as well as by seminars and academic conferences.

presence of nature within the urban space of the city. Implementation of this programme will be linked to other activities supporting eco-education, enhancement of the aesthetic quality and image of the city, including the theme Beauty in Sight (Concrete and Greenery programme).

long history of the city’s difficult coexistence with the Odra.


Within the programme Reclaiming Beauty Wrocław is

Recl aiming B e au t y

going to continue the efforts aiming at renovation of many historic monuments in the city. The leading projects of reconstruction, that Wrocław wants to implement as a candidate for the title of European Capital of Culture, are actions with an object to

In the period preceding year 2016 Wrocław will

New Spac e s o f B e au t y

accomplish also new projects with the object of filling an incomplete, in many respects, cultural infrastructure of the city. These projects form the material part of Wrocław’s principle idea lying in buildings of Spacer for Beauty. Within the prepara-

restore public and cultural functions to a range of

tions for the celebration of European Capital of

great achievements from the past.

Culture, the city wants to finalise the following investments in the cultural space of the city: Wrocław Contemporary Museum, National Forum of Music, Music Theatre Capitol... and others.

42

43


Sta k e H o l d e r s

O u r pa r t n e r r e g i o n G ŁO G Ó W LUBIN

W r o c ł aw C u lt u r e S ta k e h o l d e r Pl at f o r m s

C h i l d r e n S ta k e h o l d e r o f C u lt u r e Pl at f o r m

The geographical area to be involved in Wrocław’s 2016

Wrocław Culture Stakeholder Platform is a space for

Within the Children Stakeholding Platform of Culture

European Capital of Culture event is the region of Lower

action and activation. It is a platform for dialogue and

also kids can become Stakeholders. It is obvious that in

Silesia plus the Czech city of Hradec Králové and the east-

exchange of thoughts and experiences of independent

very near future it will be them who will decide about

ern German city of Görlitz, both historically associated

cultural milieus, artists and all citizens of Wroclaw. Eve-

the condition of our culture. The future participation of

with Lower Silesia.

ryone who wants to actively co-create Wroclaw culture

culture in Wroclaw life will depend on their creativity,

ŚWID N IC A

and to promote our candidature for the title of ECoC 2016

openness and activity. This is why we care so much about

WAŁBRZY C H

can become a Wroclaw Culture Stakeholder. Also authors

their vision of the city. We count on children’s spontane-

of innovative ideas for cultural initiatives, for unconven-

ity and courage, but we also have in mind the didactical

tional presence of art in the city’s space, for a vision of

and social effect of this project.

GÖRLITZ

B O L E S Ł A WIE C

LE G N IC A

WRO CŁ A W J E L E N I A GÓ RA

beauty not only in the city centre but also at its outskirts

H R AD E C KRÁLO V É

and in the region of Lower Silesia can become Cultural Stakeholders.

44

45


H o n o r a ry Pat r o n s o f W r o c ł aw ’ s C u lt u r e

D r a m at u r gy a n d l e n g t h o f c e l e b r at i o n s

N o d a l e v e n t s o f t h e W r o c ł aw f e s t i va l o f c u lt u r e a r e:

/  Second World Congress of Intellectuals with the presentation of the Melina Mercouri prize; Tadeusz Różewicz

/  Exhibition of works by Pablo Picasso;

H o r s d ’o e u v r e

Urszula Kozioł

We would like to start building up the atmosphere for

Václav Havel

Wrocław’s European Capital of Culture event in 2015,

Norman Davies

which will be the year of Regional Capital of Culture in

Andrzej Wajda

Lower Silesia.

/  Presentation of the figure of Wrocław’s Delegate to the Spanish European Capital of Culture; /  Theatre Olympics (Wrocław has secured accreditation of the Committee of the Theatre Olympics to organise the Theatre Olympics in 2016, which will last five months

Władysław Bartoszewski S ta r t

in Wrocław, Legnica, Wałbrzych, and Świdnica and in-

Sylwester Chęciński

We would like to launch the programme of the event on

clude the presentation of all currents within contempo-

Kurt Masur

New Year’s Eve 2015. Every year, Wrocław’s urban space

rary theatre);

Henryk Gulbinowicz

comes alive on December 31 with concerts of pop music

Lech Wałęsa

/  Literary Olympics to be organised by the Wrocław Literary Bureau;

stars, a festive atmosphere of having a ood time together

/  Opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art in

and waiting for the New Year, and thousands of fireworks.

Wrocław;

We would invite guests from both European Capitals of

46

Culture 2015, the Czech one and the Belgian one, to join us

/  World Library and Information Congress sched-

in the New Year’s celebrations of the launch of Wrocław’s

uled for 2016 by the International Federation of Library

European Capital of Culture 2016 event so we could of-

associations and Institutions, an organisation with

ficially thank them for their cultural activities in 2015.

1,700 members in over 150 countries.

47


Benefits of being ECoC

Many of the key elements of the cultural programme proposed by Wrocław are continuous in nature, including those associated with the development of the city’s cul-

1|

tural infrastructure as well as educational programmes and those designed to activate the community and the excluded groups. The programme of Spaces for Beauty will also include Wrocław’s existing festivals and artistic

Cities holding the ECoC title are cultural centers of Europe during the period of one year.

This time is filled with festivals, con-

events that will allow residents and visitors to experience

2|

The ECoC title is an opportunity for many projects and ventures that otherwise

would not have a chance to occur.

3|

The ECoC city gains an excellent opportunity for promotion and creation of its image

in the eyes of Europe, which is associ-

art and cultural diversity, discover spacetimes for beauty,

certs, conferences and other artistic,

ated with the development of different

find joy in communing with art in the intimate space and

cultural and social projects that focus

forms of tourism - cultural tourism in

in cyberspace, and open up to the space of nature.

attention not only to residents of the

particular - in the region of the win-

city, region and country, but also of the

ning city. This, in turn, is associated

entire continent.

with improved economic situation and

Cl o s u r e

a number of measurable benefits, such

New Year’s Eve 2016 will be an excellent opportunity to

as new jobs, increased tourism, new in-

close the event. We will invite representatives of the Dan-

frastructure investment, etc.

ish and the Cypriot Capitals of Culture 2017 to officially pass the title to them.

48

49


C a l e n da r o f e v e n t s

2008

13 O c t o b e r 2 010

2 0 -21 J u n e 2 011

City Council of Wrocław decides

The Selection Panel of the jury, lead

Final of the contest in Warsaw.

about taking part in the contest for

by Manfred Gaulhofer, announces

the European Capital of Culture 2016.

the promotion of Wrocław to the final

II Q ua r t e r 2 012

of the contest.

Official nomination of the European Capital of Culture, on a basis of the

F e b r ua r y 2 010

Following a decision of the City

16 M ay 2 011

recommendation of the European Parliament.

Council the institution of Culture

Deadline for handing in the second,

Wrocław 2016 comes to existence.

final application document.

2 7 Au g u s t 2 010

B e g i n n i n g o f J u n e 2 011

After 7 months of intense work our

Visit of jury representatives in

application in handed in to the Minis-

Wrocław

try of Culture and National Heritage.

50


T h e T e a m o f W r o c ł aw 2 016 : Professor Adam Chmielewski Anna Bleja Marcin Jasiński Agnieszka Kołodyńska Ewa Łyczkowska Grzegorz Maryniec Mariusz Marks Magdalena Talik Lech Templin Tomasz Walków Roland Zarzycki Dorota Zielińska Authors of the brochure Spaces for Beauty are employees of institution of culture Wrocław 2016. Translation: Andrzej Głazek Graphic project: Jarosław Furmaniak Photographs: Maksym Balandyuk, Grzegorz Gołębiewski, Paweł Grabowski, Grzegorz Kwolek, Tomasz Walków. Drawings published in this publication come from drawing contests organized by Children Stakeholder of Culture Platform. Copyright © Wrocław 2016

52


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