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"We hear you" - Poland's culture minister to cultural leaders

09.11.2024 18:30
"How to counteract mobbing in cultural institutions?" "How to keep a check on (politically nominated) directors of cultural institutions?" These were just two of the questions addressed by the three-day "Culture Co-Congress", initiated by Polish cultural leaders and organisations and organised by the Ministry of Culture.  
Culture minister Hanna Wróblewska at the Culture Co-Congress.
Culture minister Hanna Wróblewska at the Culture Co-Congress. Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

On the website of Poland's Ministry of Culture are just a few of the questions and conclusions from the three-day, deliberately named "Culture Co-Congress". 

The title already addressed one of the recurring issues - how to keep a check on the excesses of sometimes autocratic and politically nominated directors of cultural institutions. 

Mobbing in cultural institutions was another related concern - on the back of many highly publicised cases. 

Other comments from contributing cultural leaders:

[Regarding the weaker provisions for social benefits for those working in the culture sector] "Marginalised culture. Why does the state discriminate against cultural institutions?”.

"The cultural institution is our common property and not the personal property of its director. Over the director stands the law" - Alina Czyżewska. 

"How much more is AI going to steal from us?"

"Green cultural institutions - How can culture support ecological education?”

In response to the large range of pressing issues, Wróblewska said that she and her ministry "see and hear you" and now it is "time for action". She invited her audience to "hold us to account". 

Sources: gov.pl, PAP

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