POLSKA! YEAR

introduction
POLSKA! YEAR
Like Polish art, culture and the Polish way for life, Polska! Year waives the
rules, breaks the mould, oversteps the boundaries and rides roughshod
over preconceptions. We hope that the fourth installment of Polish
Cultural Week in Belfast, held for the second time as part of Polska! Year,
will surprise, delight and inspire you.
Polish Cultural Week is a presentation of the best Polish art and culture in
the capital of Northern Ireland, aiming to enable a better understanding
of Poland - both past and present - and to give an insight into the Polish
way of life, way of thinking and to bring the two communities closer
together.
Following hugely successful exhibitions of Polish contemporary art at the
Golden Thread Gallery and the Ormeau Baths Gallery in 2009, and the
rave reviews given to Teatr Biuro Podrozy, the Zbigniew Namyslowski Big
Band and the Warsaw Village Band, we will now explore ways in which
Polish contemporary art channels the country’s folk culture.
Make sure you stop by the Ulster Museum to see ‘Borders’, a photo
exhibition of Polish folk costumes - with a twist. A global line-up of

MUSIC
Jamaican, Japanese, Italian, and Thai models dressed in rich and
colourful costumes from various regions of Poland. The PS2 Gallery will
showcase contemporary Polish design, which creatively alludes to Polish
folk arts and crafts.
Another event not to be missed is Polish mountaineer musician Trebunie
Tutki playing alongside famous Jamaican reggae band the Twinkle
Brothers. But that’s not all! Join us, watch Polish films, attend lectures,
participate in workshops and come to a Polish picnic!
We’re sure that everyone will find something exciting in our programme.
For details, check this brochure, or www.polishculturalweek.com
We are looking forward to seeing you at one of our events.
Ewa Grosman
Polish Cultural Week Coordinator
and
Aneta Prasal - Wisniewska
Polska! Year Coordinator
EWA POBLOCKA:
CHOPIN CONCERT
Ulster Museum
Botanic Avenue,
Belfast BT9 5AB
Wednesday 5 May 2010, 7.30pm
www.nmni.com/um
One of the greatest pianists of
her generation, Ewa Poblocka has
given performances in the major
concert halls of Europe, both
Americas, Singapore, Korea, Japan
and Australia, and has played with
the most famous orchestras. She
has repeatedly toured Europe as a
soloist of the Warsaw Philharmonic
conducted by Kazimierz Kord
and Antoni Wit. Boasting a vast
repertoire, she is a versatile pianist,
performing recitals, playing
orchestral and chamber music
concerts and accompanying
singers.
Ewa Poblocka’s concert celebrates
the 200th anniversary of the
birth of Fryderyk Chopin, Poland’s
greatest composer.
The programme includes
compositions by Fryderyk Chopin:
Nocturne F minor, Op. 55 no 1
Nocturne C-sharp minor, Op. 27 no 1
Ballade G minor, Op. 23
Mazurka E minor, Op. 41 no 1
Mazurka B major, Op. 41 no 2
Mazurka A-flat major, Op. 41 no 3
Mazurka C-sharp minor, Op. 41 no 4
Ballade A-flat major, Op. 47
Waltz B minor, Op. posth.
Waltz D-flat major, Op. 64 no 1
Waltz C-sharp minor, Op. 64 no 2
Scherzo B minor, Op. 20
2 3

MUSIC
TREBUNIE TUTKI AND TWINKLE BROTHERS
Black Box
18–22 Hill Street,
Belfast BT1 2LA
Friday 7 May 2010, 8.00pm
www.blackboxbelfast.com
A fusion of Polish folk and Jamaican reggae.
When the legendary Jamaican artist Norman ‘Twinkle’ Grant was
introduced to the songs of the Trebunie-Tutki string ensemble, he
immediately found the Roots Reggae vibration in their Tatra Mountain
music. Trebunie Tutki, one of the oldest Polish folk bands, will perform
with the Jamaican Twinkle Brothers as part of their 2010 European Tour.
In partnership with the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.
Trebunie Tutki and
Twinkle Brothers:
AFTER PARTY
The Venue
25–27 Bruce Street,
Belfast BT2 7JD
Friday 7 May 2010, 10.00pm–2.00am
Late night Trebunie Tutki and
Twinkle Brothers concert afterparty
presenting the best of the Polish
club music.
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fashion
EThNO – FASHION
Ulster Museum
Belfast Room
Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT9 5AB
6 May–12 June 2010
Tuesday–Sunday, 10.00am–5.00pm
www.nmni.com/um
The exhibition presents
contemporary fashion designed
and produced by Teresa Seda,
combined with parts of original folk
costumes, contemporary jewellery
and accessories by Polish designers.
Original parts of folk costumes
from different regions can still be
bought in Poland. Some producers
make copies based on traditional
patterns and designs. All this
invites original combinations and
creative ethno-fashion designs. The
team - composed of Teresa Seda,
Elzbieta Czyzewska and Akamine
Hidetoshi - present 20 photograms
of latest inspirations with Polish folk
costumes and new applications of
folk design. Combined with fashion
from Teresa Seda’s new collection
and contemporary jewellery, these
images blend fashion, costumology,
and sophisticated photography.
Exhibition organised in partnership
with the State Ethnographic
Museum in Warsaw.
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© Akamine Hidetoshi
© Akamine Hidetoshi

photography
photography
STEFANIA GURDOWA:
NEGATIVES ARE TO BE STORED
Red Barn Gallery
43b Rosemary Street,
Belfast BT1 1QD
1–29 May 2010
Monday–Saturday, 10.00am–5.00pm
www.gurdowa.pl
Eleven years ago, in the attic of a tenement house in the town of Debica,
over a thousand damaged glass negative plates were discovered. Most of
them depicted expressive portraits of anonymous individuals living in the
neighbourhood in the 1920s and 1930s.
One could hardly tell a thing about the creator of the plates at first sight,
although they bore her name. Yet, the in-depth research of a group of
photographers of Visavis.pl and the Imago Mundi Foundation shed more
light upon the person, who turned out to be unusual: an independent,
consistent and gifted woman, with a workshop far away from grand
cultural capitals, who performed her art while making commissioned
portraits of her neighbours: shopkeepers, craftsmen, peasants, priests
and Jews.
Gurdowa, the distinguished artist, died in 1968. Her flat was cleared after
she had passed away. The immense photographic archive was disposed of.
Only a fraction of her art has remained, together with a question without an
answer: who hid a collection of glass plates behind a wall in the attic of her
workshop in Debica? Perhaps it was her own decision to preserve them this
way. As a responsible professional she must obviously have been aware of
the rule that “negatives are to be stored”.
In partnership with the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.
BORDERS
Ulster Museum
Belfast Room
Botanic Avenue,
Belfast BT9 5AB
6 May–12 June 2010
Tuesday–Sunday, 10.00am–5.00pm
www.nmni.com/um
A photographic exhibition
presenting the rich tradition of Polish
national costumes - worn by people
with different ethnic backgrounds -
that tries to confront the individual
with aspects of ethnic, cultural and
racial uniqueness. The genesis of
this photographic presentation was
a series of discussions about recent
changes in Poland. Poland was
once a homogeneous nation, with
few ethnic groups. However, Polish
society in the present is composed
of many different nationalities.
There is a continuous influx of new
people from all over the world,
bringing with them fresh ideas and
creating opportunities for learning
and growing from cross-cultural
interaction. As residents of New
York, the exhibition authors Piotr
Sikora and Piotr Bondarczyk have
been privileged to see the social and
ethnic crucible, which generates and
amplifies the energies of the nation.
© Piotr Sikora and Piotr Bondarczyk
Exhibition organised in partnership
with the State Ethnographic
Museum in Warsaw.
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photography
KACPER KOWALSKI: POLSKA ON AIR
Waterfront Hall
2 Lanyon Place, Belfast BT1 3WH
7–21 May 2010
Monday–Saturday, 9.00am–5.00pm
www.waterfront.co.uk
Kacper Kowalski, last year’s World Press Photo winner and the second
best paragliding pilot in the world, is showing extraordinary aerial
photographs for the first time in Belfast.
As both a pilot and photographer, Kacper Kowalski is in absolute
control of the speed and the precise angle of the shot. He shows urban
landscapes and rural sceneries never seen before. Abstract pictures –
all taken in Poland on the Baltic shores – resemble paintings rather
than photographs.
© Kacper Kowalski
10 11

design
design
POLSKA FOLK
PS2 Gallery
18 Donegall Street,
Belfast BT1 2GP
6–20 May 2010
Tuesday to Saturday,
12.00am–6.00pm
Sunday, 10.00am–4.00pm
www.pssquared.org
The exhibition will feature works by
Polish designers inspired by Polish
folk art and crafts – form, materials,
technical solutions and folk poetics.
The exhibition was on display in
London during the London Design
Festival in the autumn of 2009.
Exhibition organised in partnership
with the Regional Museum in
Stalowa Wola (Poland).
12 13
© Joanna Rusin, Agnieszka Czop

FILM
RABBIT A LA BERLIN /
ESTERHAZY
Queen’s Film Theatre
20 University Square,
Belfast BT7 1AP
11 May 2010, 9.15pm
www.queensfilmtheatre.com
RABBIT A LA BERLIN - OSCAR® NOMINEE
IN THE BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
SUBJECT CATEGORY
DIR: BARTEK KONOPKA
Poland/Germany 2009, 40 min,
in German and Polish with
English subtitles
A story about the thousands
of wild rabbits that lived in the
Death Zone of the Berlin Wall.
As if the green belt between the
two walls was ‘designed’ for those
animals - full of untouched grass,
the predators stayed behind the
wall and the guards made sure no
one ‘disturbed’ the rabbits. They
had been living there for 28 years,
enclosed but safe. Unfortunately,
the Wall fell down one day and
the rabbits had to look for another
place to live. The film is an allegory,
which brings closer the history of
Eastern Europe as seen from the
‘rabbit’ perspective.
ESTERHAZY
DIR: IZABELA PLUCIESKA
Poland/Germany 2009, 24 min,
in German and Polish with
English subtitles
“Berlin without a wall is no longer as
snug” – the protagonist Esterhazy
regretfully remarks, witnessing the
revolutionary changes of 1989 in
Europe. It is the story of a bunny
from Vienna who, upon his arrival
in Berlin, finds paradise and the
love of his life in the no-man’s land
between the walls.
14 15

FILM
FILM
SOLIDARITY, SOLIDARITY
Queen’s Film Theatre
20 University Square,
Belfast BT7 1AP
12 May 2010, 9.15pm
www.queensfilmtheatre.com
DIR: FILIP BAJON, JACEK BROMSKI, ANDRZEJ WAJDA
Poland 2005, 113 min in Polish with English subtitles
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of Solidarity, the first
non-communist and non-party controlled trade union in a Warsaw
country, the legendary director Andrzej Wajda brought together thirteen
outstanding Polish directors to shoot a series of short films expressing
their personal thoughts about the social movement which changed the
face of Europe.
The answers to the question “What does Solidarity mean to me and to all
of us today?” vary as much as the cinematic forms used – documentary,
animation and even a musical! This tribute to solidarity is a film about a
heroic triumph, creating history and the passing away of values.
WEDDING (WESELE)
Queen’s Film Theatre
20 University Square,
Belfast BT7 1AP
13 May 2010, 9.15pm
www.queensfilmtheatre.com
DIR: ANDRZEJ WAJDA
Poland 1972, 110 min in Polish with English subtitles
Critics said that Wajda had achieved the impossible in bringing one of
the greatest national dramas to the screen. A bitter tale of the marriage
of an intellectual to a peasant, their opposing views, the artist’s inability
to find a place for himself in the world and fruitless dreams of freedom.
The success of this film at home and abroad once again emphasised the
talent and imagination of its director.
OBG: FILM SCREENING
Ormeau Baths Gallery
18a Ormeau Avenue,
Belfast BT2 8HS
13 May 2010, 7.00pm
www.ormeaubaths.co.uk
As part of Polish Cultural Week, OBG has been working with the Polish
Youth Organisation ‘Kameleon’ and the Belfast-based film maker Michael
MacBroom on an alternative tourist film for Northern Ireland.
16 17

OTHER EVENTS
OTHER EVENTS
A TASTE OF POLSKA
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Marquee
Custom House Square,
Belfast BT1 3ET
8 May 2010, 12.00pm–5.00pm
Come along to experience vibrant and colourful Polish traditions and
culture on the 8th May at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Marquee.
A great family day out with workshops, performances, dance, music and
Polish food. Performance by Trebunie Tutki - one of the oldest Polish folk
bands, Orleta - the Polish traditional group from London, Polish Saturday
Schools in Northern Ireland and international guests including Belfast
Circus, Irish and Ulster-Scots dancers, a Bollywood show and Chinese
Dragon dance.
In partnership with the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.
Supported by the PSNI and the Unite Against Hate.
PAPER CUTS WORKSHOP
Ormeau Baths Gallery
18a Ormeau Avenue,
Belfast BT2 8HS
8 May 2010, 10.30am–12.30pm / £3
www.ormeaubaths.co.uk
Wycinanki, pronounced “Vee-chee-non-kee” is the Polish word for
paper-cut design. This is a traditional Polish craft which creates intricate
and beautiful designs by cutting paper, and is used to decorate home
interiors. Come and see some examples of this craft and have a go at
making some designs yourself.
In partnership with the State Ethnographic Museum in Warsaw.
POLSKA! DAY:
RHYTHMS OF THE YEAR
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Cultra, Holywood BT18 0EU
15 May 2010, 11.00am–17.00pm
www.nmni.com/uftm
A day of Polish culture and heritage discovery: workshops, talks, adventure
trial and museum tours in Polish and English. An exhibition exploring
the presence of folk in spring time events and celebrations in Poland.
Accompanied by a photographic exhibition. Part of the Cultural Olympiad.
18 19

OTHER EVENTS
OTHER EVENTS
PANI: I AM/JESTEM
BOOK LAUNCH
Arts Council Northern Ireland
77 Malone Road,
Belfast BT9 6AQ
6 May 2010, 11.00am
www.bbeyondperformance.org
This publication contextualises the I AM/JESTEM event, merging it with
‘Contingent Activities’ that Bbeyond has been involved in from May 2008
to June 09. It contains texts on the I AM/JESTEM event of October 2008
by the following writers: Dr. Slavka Sverakova, Brian McAvera, Dr. Christia-
Maria Lerm Hayes and Dr Justin McKeown. Including an interview with
the Polish artist Wladyslaw Kazmierczak, conducted by Brian Connolly
and Brian Patterson. Also included is a text by Colin Darke as part of
‘Contingent Activities’, involving the Dublin Performance Collective.
Chopin Piano recitals by Bartosz Thiede
Ulster Museum
Botanic Avenue,
Belfast BT9 5AB
8–9 May 2010, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
www.nmni.com/um
Bartosz Thied, originally from Poland, became a Saint Colman’s College
student 13 years ago, studying piano. Music has since become his entire
life. Apart from the piano he plays trumpet and organ. He is an organist
for two churches, including the Cathedral of Saint Colman and Patrick
in Newry. Fascinated with Fryderyk Chopin and his particular style of
composing, he hopes to continue his studies and became a worldwide
performer and composer.
POLSKA! SUNDAY
John Hewitt Bar
51 Donegall Street,
Belfast BT1 2FH
9 May 2010, 12.30pm–2.30pm
www.thejohnhewitt.com
Intercultural Pub Quiz,
accompanied by Polish traditional
music and complemented by Polish
food and drink. In aid of the Polish
youth club Kameleon.
I’M NOT A RACIST, BUT… :
CHALLENGING MYTHS
THAT FUEL RACISM
City Church Belfast
12-24 University Avenue
Belfast BT7 1GY
14 May 2010, 11.00am–1.00pm
www.ictuni.org
Launch of myth-busting
publication and Your Rights at
Work, a pocket-size guide to
employment rights in Polish.
Produced by Migrant Workers Unit
at Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
POLSKA! PARTY
Golden Thread Gallery
84-94 Great Patrick Street,
Belfast BT1 2LU
14 May 2010, 6.00pm
www.gtgallery.org.uk
Come and explore Polish wedding
party traditions. With Polish food,
drink and music this will be a party
like no other!
BROWN & BRI:
A DAY OF BOOKWORKS
Belfast Exposed
23 Donegall Street,
Belfast BT1 2FF
16 May 2010, 11.00am–6.00pm
www.belfastexposed.org
From practicalities like design,
layout, binding, printing, publishing
and distribution, to the bigger
questions of the role of bookwork
today and in the future, this
day-long series of workshops
and talks will seek to inform and
inspire. Professionals from the
world of book-making will gather
at Belfast Exposed Photography to
discuss and debate the relevance
and potential of bookworks and
photobooks to communicate ideas,
and the realities of their impact in
an over-saturated market.
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The programme of the IV Polish Cultural Week has been developed by the
Artlinks and the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in Warsaw as part of POLSKA! YEAR.
Our special thanks go to Jerome Mullen, Honorary Consul of the
Republic of Poland In Northern Ireland and to our partners:
Arts Council NI
Police Service of Northern Ireland
Bbeyond
Polish Community Centre ‘Cooltura’
British Council
Polish Tourist Organisation in London
Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival Polish Youth Club ‘Kameleon’
Community Relation Council PS2 Gallery
Consulate of the Republic of Poland Queen’s Film Theatre
in Edinburgh
Red Barn Gallery
Equality Commission
The Regional Museum
Housing Excecutive
in Stalowa Wola, Poland
Imago Mundi Foundation
The State Ethnographic Museum
in Warsaw
Irish Congress of Trade Unions
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
John Hewitt Bar
Ulster Museum
Ormeau Baths Gallery
Unite Against Hate
Waterfront Hall
IV POLISH
CULTURAL WEEK
Ewa Grosman
Polish Cultural Week Coordinator
Polish Cultural Week Team:
Katarzyna Garbal
Marta Jocek
Szymon Kizuk
Marcin Krzewicki
Irena Laskowska
Alicja Matwiejczuk
Rainer Pagel
POLSKA! YEAR
Pawel Potoroczyn
Director
Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Aneta Prasal – Wisniewska
Polska! Year Coordinator
Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Polska! Year Team:
Anna Duda
Iwona Emerla
Natalia Gedroyc
Katarzyna Kacprzak
Barbara Krzeska
Anna Mroczkowska
Dorota Szczepanek
Katarzyna Sliwinska
www.PolskaYear.pl
www.culture.pl
Published by Cultureshock Media
for Polska! Year 2010
Copyright © Polska! Year
For Cultureshock Media
Design: Alfonso Iacurci & Alastair Goodbody
Production Manager: Nicola Vanstone
Publisher: Phil Allison
Cultureshock Media
www.cultureshockmedia.co.uk
22 23

a year of
contemporary
everything
from polska!
2009–2010
polskayear.pl
–
film, theatre,
literature,
architecture,
art, design,
music, fashion
Patron HM The Queen
Patron HE The President
of the Republic of Poland
pl!