‘Culture Sparks Unity’: Poland launches international art and design programme for EU Council presidency

Poland has kicked off its EU presidency with an international programme of events under the motto ‘Culture Sparks Unity’.

Running until 30 June, some 100 cultural events and exhibitions will be held in EU member states and candidate countries, as well as in Brussels.

The programme supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute aims to promote intercultural dialogue while celebrating the diversity of European heritage. It also showcases artists from around Europe.

Contemporary Polish art is a key focus, in particular an emerging generation of young artists. Artworks by young artists and designers on the theme of ‘Regeneration’ are on display at various European Parliament buildings.

In the atrium of the Council’s Justus Lipsius, artist Alicja Patanowska presents the series We are the Weather, underlining the importance of water as a source for life. It includes a collection of large hand-moulded water catchers. “Touching is allowed,” points out the artist as she runs her hands over the mottled surface. “The clay is a strong material that comes from the south of Poland.”

The bright blue hue of the pitchers is also symbolic. “We all have cobalt in our bodies and we need a tiny bit to survive, but we have lost a lot of cobalt to technology,” explains Patanowska.

In addition to a composition of ceramic tiles that highlights the finite nature of water, three white fountains standing on pedestals also recount the effects of climate change. The delicate gleaming sculptures are decorated with a menagerie of animals as well as objects that recount various stories. “Fountains are a symbol of life but also how we shape it,” she says. Representing humans, animals and nature is a running theme in her work. The gentle trickling sound of water is designed not only to create a “chill moment” but to remind us that “our decisions” have major implications for our future.

An exhibition of Polish design, graphics and illustration is spread around rooms and corridors in adjoining buildings. They include stylish sofas – all designed to be used – as well as striking ceramics, lighting and textile wall hangings. An exhibition of posters Women Go Vote by female artists promotes political participation.

Other highlights in Brussels

Polish photographer Ada Zielińska presents the solo exhibition Post Tourism as part of the acclaimed PhotoBrussels Festival from 24 January to 23 February. The long-term project on show at La Nombreuse art gallery in Saint-Gilles focuses on how globalisation has impacted tourism. Zielińska travelled to regions transformed by catastrophes to document not only the changes that have occurred but also in an attempt to show the beauty of their new landscapes.

On 14 and 15  February, the internationally renowned Unsound Festival brings cutting-edge Polish electronic and experimental music to the capital. In partnership with Bozar, the event invites an inspiring line-up of musicians, including Polish guitarist Raphael Rogiński and Lithuanian-Belgian singer and kanklės player Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė who presenting their new album. It also stages an audiovisual project by Ukrainians Heinali & Yasia. The festival wraps up with a club night at Reset boasting an electrifying rota of live DJ sets.

Bozar also hosts the exhibition Familiar Strangers, curated by Joanna Warsza, from 14 March to 29 June. The contemporary art exhibition reflects on recent changes in Eastern Europe from a Polish point of view. It delves into the richness and complexity of the region’s multiple identities.

Renowned Polish artist Małgorzata Mirga-Tas has been commissioned to create a large-scale woven tapestry inspired by the historical collection of the Royal Museum of Art and History. It will be on show at the Cinquantenaire museum from 9 May until the end of June.

The Tomasz Stańko Experience is a tribute concert to the legendary Polish jazz trumpeter at Flagey on 18 June. It highlights the country’s rich jazz tradition.

Poland’s cultural programme concludes in June with a concert at Flagey of the world premiere of Unity. The work was composed especially for the Polish presidency by pianist and composer Aleksander Dębicz, with world-famous Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orlinski participating in the performance.

As part of the ‘Polish Music on Your Playlist”’ project, organisers have compiled playlists dedicated to Polish music, available on Spotify.

Photos: ©Alicia Biala; Małgorzata Mirga-Ta ©Mmikolaj Sobczak Mmantis, courtesy of the artist and the Servais family collection