Best Polish project in Scotland

Published on Tuesday 21 April 2009 20:09

POLSKA! YEAR organised by Adam Mickiewicz Institute in Warsaw www.polskayear.pl

The POLSKA! year is marked by two dates important – the 20th anniversary of the first free elections after the Second World War, which brought an end to the Communist regime in Poland (June 1989), and the bicentenary of the birth of Polish composer Frederick Chopin, who gave his last concert in London in 1848.

It highlights the long history of Polish-British relations in A Year of Contemporary Everything From Poland! and includes events featuring some of Poland's best efforts in film, theatre, architecture, design, history, literature, music, fashion and more.

It gives a chance for British to get to know Poland as more than the homeland of their nation's finest builders and waitresses. And it's also a chance for Poles in the UK – even if they are doctors, bankers, scientists, and son on, as a third of Polish immigrants to Britain are – to enjoy homegrown culture.

SCOTTISH TIDES – POLISH SPRING, Perth www.horsecross.co.uk/about/polish-spring/

This event shows how Scots and Poles can not only work together in factories and on farms but also to deliver great artistic performances, whether classical, pop or folk music, art or comedy.

The roots of this event are 400 years old and spread across a continent. From Scotland to Poland and back again, centuries of migration have sown the seeds for a shared cultural landscape; now the fruits of this unique relationship are set to flourish in a season of exceptional events at Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall.

Polish Spring adds a 21st-century twist to this artistic alliance, bringing together Poland's top rock and comedy groups, Kult and Ani Mru Mru, alongside acclaimed Scots folk, digital art and outstanding classical acts in a celebration of the comings and goings of Scots and Poles.

POLISH CULTURAL FESTIVAL, Edinburgh www.polishculturalfestival.org.uk

The organisers of the Polish Cultural Festival hope to showcase all that is good about Polish involvement within the new emerging Scotland. The Festival aims to help to recognise the role the Polish community has in shaping Scotland's culture today, and includes great music, theatre, exhibitions, lectures, films… plus a Polish medieval tournament.

The programme is created to serve as a refreshing introduction for the uninitiated, while providing an enlivening awakening for the Polish. The Festival also gives the chance to explore Polish-Scottish history and hear the stories of generations of Poles who chose Scotland as their home.

NEW EUROPE FILM FESTIVAL, Edinburgh, 16-27 April, www.neweuropefilm.com

New Europe is a term used for the 12 new members of the European Union that joined the Community in May 2004 and January 2007. NEFF has been bringing films from new EU member states to Edinburgh Filmhouse since 2007. This year's films come from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Romania.

Film reviews are available on the festival website www.neweuropefilm.com, and tickets can be booked online at www.filmhousecinema.com.

IT'S MY PLACE, Edinburgh www.itsmyplace-scotpol.net

This project brings together talented, energetic members of the Polish community who have moved to Scotland over the last a few years and aims to use their ideas and creativity to support their local neighbourhoods and integrate with communities.

The project will run a series of workshops and masterclasses exploring a variety of art techniques in the theme of "It's My Place". Workshops will be run by professional artists experienced in community art projects. The work of the professionals will be supported by 20 young Polish artists living in Scotland, who will get a chance to learn how to work with people of different backgrounds and abilities.

They will also gain valuable experience in art projects management, learn how to organise workspace and promote their art. Working with professional artists, students and participants from the community will put together a final exhibition displayed in local galleries in Edinburgh at the beginning of August and September.