A selection of Polish Foreign Ministry initiatives to celebrate 2009 anniversaries

A SELECTION OF POLISH FOREIGN MINISTRY INITIATIVES TO CELEBRATE 2009 ANNIVERSARIES

COUNTRY

INSTITUTION

DESCRIPTION

DATE

Australia

Embassy
in Canberra

Polish elections of 1989 and Australia

A seminar with the participation of Australian scientists and politicians involved in providing support for the Solidarity movement. The conference highlights Poland’s role in overthrowing Communism in Europe and Australia’s support for the Solidarity movement and the new Poland.
 
Organized by: Embassy, Australian National University in Canberra

7th July
2009

Australia

Consulate
in Sydney

I Was a Soldier of September 1939

An all-Australia competition for the best essay/press article on “I Was a Soldier of September 1939”. The event is targeted at young Australians of Polish origin. The aim is to promote knowledge of Poland’s 20th century history among the young generation.

The competition is organized by Australian schools with instruction in Polish and Polish Community schools, with contributions from Australian and Polish Community media.

2009

Australia

Consulate
in Sydney

From the Gdańsk Shipyard to The Berlin Wall. The Birth of a New World Order

An open seminar on the erosion of the Communism regime and democratic change in the region. Attendees will include Australia’s authorities on the subject: Prof. Stefan Auer (La Trobe University, Melbourne), Prof. Leslie T. Holmes (Melbourne University) and Prof. Martin Krygier (University of NSW). Discussions will focus on three main themes: a) Poland of the 1980s, b) the Round Table and the European Autumn of Nations, c) the new Europe and the new world order. The events of these three stages will be presented as a chain of cause and effect.  

The seminar will be held at the prestigious State Library of New South Wales under the slogan “Solidarity – Made in Poland”.

20th June
2009

Austria

Embassy
in Vienna

Historischer Umbruch 1989 - Vom Kalten Krieg zum neuen Europa

An international congress on the meaning of the 1989 changes for Europe and the world.

Organized by: Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs

2009

Austria

Embassy
in Vienna

“The Solidarity Picnic” at Rathausplatz in Vienna

Awareness events and exhibitions to highlight Poland’s and Solidarity’s role in the 1989 transformation. These will include the open-air exhibition “History From Behind the Iron Curtain”, presentations on the city of Gdańsk and the region of Pomerania.

Co-organized by: Vienna authorities, Solidarity Centre Foundation, Gdańsk and authorities of Pomeranian voivodship, POT

2009

Belarus

Embassy
in Minsk

Poland – Belarus in the 20th century. From the History of Central and Eastern Europe

A Polish-Belarusian conference with the participation of Polish and Belarusian experts on the common history of the two countries.

Partners: Wrocław University, Marshal’s Office of the Lower Silesia Region, Lower Silesian Agency for Economic Cooperation
History Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, National History Institute of the Belarusian Academy of Sciences, Belarusian State University

28 - 30th
September
2009

Bulgaria

Polish Institute
in Sofia

Freedom’89

A competition for an essay on “Freedom’89” for students of Polish studies in Sophia, Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo.

May - June
2009

Bulgaria

Polish Institute
in Sofia

Freedom 1939 - 1989

Film showings with panel discussions: March 09 – Man of Iron (Człowiek z żelaza) by A. Wajda, April 09 – Blind Chance (Przypadek) by K. Kieślowski, May 09 – Teddy Bear (Miś) by S. Bareja, June 09 – Hands Up (Ręce do góry) by K. Skolimowski, June 09 – Generation’89 (Pokolenie’89) by M. Zmarz-Koczanowicz (IP). 27 June 09 – Lumiere cinema hall, Sophia – Escape from the Liberty Cinema (Ucieczka z kina Wolność) by W. Marczewski as part of the Socialist Past Festival. 3 September – Forbidden Songs (Zakazane piosenki) by L. Buczkowski, 17 September – How I Unleashed World War II (Jak rozpętałem II wojnę światową) by T. Chmielewski, 28 September – For Your Each Stone (Za każdy kamień Twój), a documentary by Zofia Kunert, with the participation of the director (IP gallery).

Co-organized by: Goethe Institute, Czech Institute, Hungarian Institute, Lumiere Cinema Hall in Sofia.

March 
- September
2009

Bulgaria

Polish Institute
in Sofia

Victory Icons

A multimedia interactive exhibition by the Mazowieckie Centre of Culture and Art in Warsaw, with the participation of the Centre’s representative Jacek Zieliński and curator Józef Żuk Piwkowski.
 
Partner: Mazovian Centre of Culture and Art in Warsaw.

4th June
2009

Canada

Embassy
in Ottawa

Cinema Club – second edition

Showings of Polish movies from the outbreak of the Second World War to Solidarity’s triumph (e.g. Blind Chance [Przypadek], Wherever You Are, Mr President [Gdzie jesteś, panie Prezydencie], Katyn [Katyń]).
 
The project organized by the Polish Embassy in collaboration with the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and the Polish Student Club at the University of Ottawa.

September 
- November
2009

Canada

Embassy
in Ottawa

Warsaw. September 1939

A photo exhibition on the life in occupied Warsaw organized by the State Archives in collaboration with the capital city of Warsaw and Polskapresse.

September
2009

Canada

Embassy
in Ottawa

A multimedia soirée “Freedom: Made in Poland”

Multimedia presentations at the Ottawa Hippodrome on Poland’s leading role in the collapse of Communism as part of the country nights project.

1st October
2009

Canada

Embassy
in Ottawa

Du totalitarisme à la démocratie: Un parcours tortueux et inachevé. Àl’occasion du vingtième anniversaire de la chute du communisme en Europe de l’Est.

An international scientific symposium organized jointly with the McGill University, the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences in Canada, the Goethe Institute and the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences. Attendees will include Prof. Zbigniew Brzeziński, Prof. Karol Modzelewski, Prof. Piotr Sztompka and many other experts. The event will be accompanied by an exhibition on the life of Prof. Tadeusz Romer, a distinguished figure of resistance to Nazism and Communism and a former McGill lecturer..

22 - 25th
October
2009

China

Embassy
in Beijing

Competition in knowledge of Poland’s and Poles’ role in the Second World War

The aim is to promote knowledge of the role played by Poland and Poles in the Second World War.

Co-organized by: Beijing University, Qinghua University, Beijing Pedagogical University

2009

Columbia

Embassy
in Bogota

Europe in 1989 and 2009 – Divided Then, United Today

A competition for an essay and a poster to commemorate the democratic changes of 1989 in Europe.

Co-organized by: Northern University of Barranquilla, Universities in Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Cartagena and Bucaramanga, Czech, Austrian, German and Romanian Embassies, European Commission Delegation, Honorary Consul of Hungary.

March
2009

Czech Republic

Polish Institute
in Prague

The Decade of Solidarity 

“The Decade of Solidarity” exhibition at the Malostranska metro station in Prague, symbolically renamed the Solidarity station for the occasion, will be opened by the President of the Czech Senate.
 
In collaboration with the Polish Embassy and authorities of the first district of Prague.

4th June
2009

Czech Republic

Polish Institute
in Prague

The Festival of Freedom. Warsaw to Prague

Open air festivities to present twenty years of Polish democracy. The aim is to showcase Poland as a young, dynamic and democratic European state with lots to offer in cultural terms, and Warsaw as a symbol of freedom fight, a Phoenix city combining the past with the modernity. The event includes exhibitions, concerts and multimedia shows.

Co-organized by: Polish Embassy, Warsaw Municipal Office, Prague Municipal Office, CT Czech Television.

10th June
2009

Czech Republic

Polish Institute
in Prague

The Rock Against War

A concert at the famous Akropolis club in Prague to mark the anniversary of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and the outbreak of World War II. It will be accompanied by a multimedia exhibition.
 
Co-organized by: Polish Embassy, Lithuanian, Latvian and Esthonian Embassies in Prague, National Culture Centre

1st Sempteber
2009

Czech Republic

Polish Institute
in Prague

Poland - Europe

An education project comprising CDK publications on contemporary Poland and how Poland and Poles approach some of Europe’s current problems, including a DVD feature on “The Fall of Communism in Central Europe” for secondary school students.
 
Co-organized by: CDK Publishing House in Brno, Institute for Studies of Totalitarian Regimes in Prague.

2009

Czech Republic

Polish Institute
in Prague

The Poland of 1989–2009 according to...

A series of meetings and debates at the Polish Institute with distinguished Polish historians, political and social scientists and journalists on Poland’s achievements in the past twenty years.
 
Co-organized by: Dnes daily, Literarni noviny weekly, Salve quarterly.

February 
- November
2009

Denmark

Embassy
in Copenhagen

Competition in knowledge of Polish history

Competitions for young Danes organized via the Danish website www.polennu.dk to test their knowledge of Polish history during the Second World War and the Solidarity movement’s contribution to democratic change in Europe.
 
Partner: Polennu.dk

June
- September
2009

Estonia

Embassy
in Tallinn

Freedom - Solidarity

An awareness campaign in Estonian cities, e.g. Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, using the motif of the “Solidarity – High Noon” poster.

June
2009

Estonia

Embassy
in Tallinn

The Escape of the Eagle

A scientific conference and a concert to commemorate the anniversary of the escape of the Orzeł (“Eagle”) Polish Navy ship from Tallinn, with the participation of the Marshal of the Polish Sejm, representatives of the Estonian parliament, etc.
 
Partner: Estonian Museum of Armed Forces

September
2009

Estonia

Embassy
in Tallinn

The Round Table and Its Meaning

An international scientific conference on round-table lines, with the participation of Adam Michnik, political commentators, representatives of the Estonian parliament, etc.
 
Partner: Tallinn University

September
2009

Finland

Embassy
in Helsinki

The Cold War and its Consequences

A scientific conference to raise awareness among the public that the fight with totalitarian regimes and then the transition towards democracy and peaceful revolution against Communism were initiated in Poland.
 
Co-organized by: Helsinki University

29-31st
October
2009

France

Polish Institute
in Paris

The Role of Intellectuals and the Place of Culture After 1989

A gathering of intellectuals from the former Communist block to discuss political and social changes in their respective countries after 1989 and determine the role of intellectual communities in driving those changes..

November
2009

France

Polish Institute
in Paris

20 Years Later: The Role of the Polish Round Table

An international conference to define the role of the Round Table Talks in the collapse of Communism in Europe.

Co-organized by: French Institute of International Relations

March
- September 
2009

Germany

Embassy and Polish Institute
in Berlin

It All Began... in Gdańsk, at the Round Table, in Poland

An awareness campaign for the general public. Initiated in December 2008, it tracks Europe’s democratic changes back to 1989. Permanent features of the campaign are the use of the jubilee year logo and the organisation of outdoor events in key Berlin locations (e.g. central railway station, Berlin metro) using the slogan “It All Began in Gdańsk”, “It All Began at the Round Table” and the Gary Cooper motif of the “High Noon, 4 June” poster by Tomasz Sarnecki. The campaign will also include an artistic programme at the Radialsystem centre of culture and performance arts in Berlin.

December 2008
- December
2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Berlin

Gerontocrats or Heroes of the Retreat. Communist Party Authorities in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989

An account of peaceful revolutions in Central and Eastern Europe from the perspective of Communist party authorities.

5 - 6th
February
2009

Germany

Embassy
in Berlin

Democratic Changes in Europe’98 – A Debate

A Polish-German debate on the events of 1989 with the participation of representatives of the Polish and German ministries of foreign affairs: Minister F. Steinmeier and Prime Minister T. Mazowiecki and leaders of the former Polish and German democratic opposition, e.g. Lothar de Maiziere and Zbigniew Bujak.

9th February
2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Berlin

A political debate on “1989 – A Long European Revolution” with the participation of Vice-President of the Bundestag Wolfgang Thierse, Head of Collegium Hungaricum Berlin Janos Togaya and Prof. Andrzej Friszke of the Institute of Political Studies at the Polish Academy of Sciences.

5th March
2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Berlin

Freiheit im Blick. Geschichte einer Hoffnug – Ende einer Illusion? (“Freedom Within Sight. A History of Hope – The End of Illusion?”)
 
An international conference organized in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, Central Europe Headquarters in Prague, and the German Society for Eastern Europe (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Osteuropakunde). The conference explores the extent and meaning of freedom movements and the events of 1989 in Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and other former Eastern block countries in the context of the fall of the Iron Curtain and the reunification of Germany.

18 - 19th
March
2009

Germany

Embassy
in Berlin

We Berliners. Poles’ Contribution to the Development of Berlin (18th – 21st Centuries)

A conference and exhibition project exploring the lives of Poles from both the microperspective of the city’s history and the macroperspective of mutual Polish-German relations.
 
Supporting events will include a colloquium on “Everyday Life and Memories of the Polish People’s Republic and the German Democratic Republic”, a concert by the Kwartet Polski Berlin quartet featuring works of Franz Schreker’s disciples (“Young Polish Musicians in Berlin Between the Two World Wars”), a photo exhibition “The Polish Community in Photographs by Stefan Dybowski”, a series of meetings “Salon at Berlinerstrasse. Interviews with Polish Berliners”)
 
Partner: Berlin Municipal Museum; CBH PAN Berlin; Funkhaus Europa; Bundesverband Polnisches Forum in Deutschland e.V

19th March
- 14th June
2009

Germany

Embassy
in Berlin

1989: New Roads. The Beginning of a Life in Democracy and Freedom.

A Polish-German seminar organized by the German Embassy in Warsaw, the Polish Embassy in Berlin, Kreisau-Initiative Berlin and the Krzyżowa Foundation for Mutual Understanding to discuss the causes, processes and outcomes of the transformation period. The seminar participants will learn how the events of that period were depicted in art and media in Poland and Germany and will also have an opportunity to hear eyewitness accounts and expert opinions.

12-16th May
2009

Germany

Embassy
in Berlin

Solidarity. A Peaceful Revolution

A multimedia exhibition designed to present the fight against the Communist regime in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe in 1970–1989. It will be accompanied by short evocative films which will be shown using different media (television sets, screens, wall projections). Each film will tell a different story, focusing not only on important historical events but also on culture and everyday life of the period.
 
Co-organized by: Polish Sejm, ECS

26th May
- 17th June
2009

Germany

Polish Institute in Berlin

The End of Communism

An exhibition of photographs by Erazm Ciołek and Chris Niedentathal. Tomasz Sarnecki’s poster featuring Gary Cooper and the Solidarity logo (“High Noon, 4 June”) will be the leitmotif of the exhibition. Curator: Adam Mazur, CSW. Poster reprints will be published in connection with the exhibition.
The exhibition is organized as part of the 2009 History Forum (Geschichtsforum 2009). The venue of the event will be Humboldt-Campus on the Museum Island in the vicinity of the Polish Institute in Berlin.

26th May
- 28th August
2009

Germany

Polish Institute in Berlin

Sounds – No Walls. Friends & Neighboors in Jazz

A Polish-German jazz festival as part of the History Forum – jazz as a medium of freedom under Communism. Invited performers include Marcin Wasilewski Trio, Kattorna feat. Ernst-Ludwig Petrowsky; Silke Eberhard Trio feat. Adam Pierończyk, Zbigniew Namysłowski Quintet, Vitold Rek, Mateusz Kołakowski, Billy Harper – Piotr Wojtasik Quintet, Friedhelm Schönfeld Trio feat. Lew Spieghel (with J.Stefański).
 
Co-organized by: Federal Agency for Civic Education, Polish Institute in Berlin, Foundation for Polish-German Collaboration, Stołeczna Estrada

28 - 31st May
2009

Germany

Embassy
in Berlin

1989 – Ein Epochenjahr für Mittel - und Osteuropa (1989 – An Epochal Year for Central and Eastern Europe)
 
A conference organised as part of the 2009 History Forum (Geschichtsforum 2009) to commemorate the role of peaceful revolutions in former Eastern block countries in shaping modern Europe.
 
Co-organized by: Czech Centre, Slovak Institute, Collegium Hungaricum, Oldenburg University.

29th May
2009

Germany

Embassy and Polish Institute
in Berlin

It All Began at Noon Sharp

An event held at the famous Berlin performance centre Radialsystem as part of the image campaign under the slogan “It All Began in Gdańsk”. Partly a picnic and partly an open-air festival, it highlights the importance of the 1989 changes in Poland and the parliamentary election of 4 June for the new architecture of Europe. The event’s leitmotif will be Tadeusz Sarnecki’s Solidarity electoral poster (Solidarity at High Noon). Guest of honour – Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit.

4th June
2009

Germany

Embassy
in Berlin, 
Deutsches- PolenInstitut in Darmstadt,
Lech Wałęsa Institute in Gdańsk

Twenty Years On – Legacy and Challenges for Europe
 
A discussion with the participation of Lech Wałęsa and Rita Süssmuth (former Bundestag President). Chaired by: Dieter Bingen (Head of Deutsches Polen-Institut Darmstadt). Venue: Franzosische Kirche, Gendarmenmarkt. The meeting will provide an opportunity to present Lech Wałęsa with the Ernst Reuter decoration of honour.

9th June
2009

Germany

Embassy
in Berlin,
Polish Sejm,
Bundestag

A Shared Memory of Solidarity
 
An event with the participation of Polish and German authorities, including Marshal of the Sejm B. Komorowski and President of the Bundestag N. Lammert. As part of celebrations, a piece of the Gdańsk Shipyard wall will be mounted at the Reichstag to commemorate the role of Solidarity in the collapse of the Communist regime.

17th June
2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Berlin

Germans and Poles
 
Film showings at DHM (German History Museum) and Zeughauskino. 22 feature and documentary films will provide an account of Polish-German relations during the war and today. These will include both Polish and German films tracing over 600 years of history of Polish-German relations and how the mutual image of the two countries has evolved over the centuries. 

5th July - 29th
August
2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Dusseldorf

“Beauty Dies” – a concert by Aga Zaryan
 
A concert to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Second World War and the 65th anniversary of the Warsaw Rising – a musical journey.

August
2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Dusseldorf

Polish Day at Schools in North Rhine-Westphalia
 
A multi-month education project comprising meetings, debates and classes on Solidarity as an idea and an organization.
 
NRW Ministry of Education, Heinrich Heine University in Dusseldorf, Department of Slavic Studies at Bochum University.

2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Dusseldorf

The Phenomenon of Solidarity
 
Poland in Search of Freedom – multimedia projections as part of the Museum Night and the Europe Day.
 
Partners: Museum Night Organizers, Ernst & Young, the city of Dusseldorf.

9th May
2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Dusseldorf

Film Programme – Freedom’89
 
Polish Freedom – film showings, e.g. Man of Iron (Człowiek z żelaza) by Andrzej Wajda, Escape from the Liberty Cinema (Ucieczka z kina Wolność) by Wojciech Marczewski, documentaries by Marcel Łoziński (e.g. 89 mm to Europe – 98 mm do Europy), War Games (Gry wojenne), a documentary on Colonel Kukliński by Dariusz Jabłoński, Orange Alternative (Pomarańczowa alternatywa) by Mirosław Dembiński, Hear My Scream (Usłyszcie mój krzyk) by Maciej Drygas.
 
Partners: Repertory cinemas in NRW and neighbouring lands, Film Museum in Dusseldorf, Polish-German Societies, IAM

November 
- December
2009

Germany

Polish Institute
in Dusseldorf

Polish-German Art Workshops: Closer to Poland 2009. We in NRW and in Europe
 
A Polish-German education project to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Second World War through, among others, trips to visit the Gliwice Radio Station, Krakow’s Jewish district and the Wawel Castle.
 
Co-organized by: Polish-German Youth Office (Jugendwerk), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, North Rhine-Westphalia, the following partners in Silesia: authorities of the city of Gliwice, the Gliwice Musical Theatre, the Office of the Silesian Voivodship Marshal, ARS CAMERALIS Silesiae Superioris, Theotokos Centre for Education and Dialogue in Gliwice, Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice, Polish Television in Katowice, Silesian Jazz Club.

July - August
2009

Germany

Consulate
in Hamburg

Exhibition “History From Behind the Iron Curtain”
 
Poland as a driving force behind a peaceful transition in Europe – a public space installation
 
Partners: European Solidarity Centre, Toepfer Foundation, Land Centre of Political Education, PR Arts und Credits Agency, the city of Gdańsk, the daily Hamburger Abendblatt.

27th February
2009

Germany

Consulate
in Hamburg

The Year 1989 in the Eyes of Journalists – A Journalists’ Panel in Bremen
 
The changes of 1989 as seen by political commentators in Poland and Germany. A debate with the participation of students.
 
Co-organized by: Jacobs University, Bremen University, Forschungsstelle für Osteuropa, Landeszentrale für politische Bildung Bremen.

2009

Germany

Consulate
in Hamburg

Exhibition “Exiles from the Warsaw of 1944 – the Fate of Children” at the Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial Site
 
The aim is to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Second World War by presenting the fate of children and expanding knowledge on deportations in Warsaw from August to October 1944.
 
Co-organized by: Warsaw History Museum, Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial.

1st August
- 3rd October
2009

Great Britain

Institute of Polish Culture
in London

Children of the Revolution: 1989–2009
 
The aim is to make the British public opinion aware of Poland’s role and importance in the transition of 1989 and encourage broad ranging discussion on the contemporary meaning of transformation, revolution and social changes in the context of the evolving social, economic, political and cultural institutions. The project includes: a) a discussion panel at the Tate Modern, b) an international conference at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London, c) a collection of 1980s and 1990s political posters from Central and Eastern Europe at the Victoria & Albert Museum, with selected posters being displayed on the walls of famous buildings in London and 2–3 other UK cities; d) a lecture by President Lech Wałęsa at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
 
Partners: Tate Modern; SSEES UCL – Prof. Georg Kolankiewicz, Dr Tim Beasley-Murray, Dr Richard Butterwick; V&A – Catherine Flood (Curator responsible for the poster collection); Southbank Centre – Martin Colthorpe (Head of Literature and Talks); IAM; European Commission; institutions of culture and embassies of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia and Hungary.

1-15th June
2009

Great Britain

Embassy
in London

Solidarity Revisited Part I
 
50 Years of Communism in Poland – film showings
 
Partner: Riverside Studios, the project implemented jointly with IAM.

June
2009

Great Britain

Embassy
in London

Solidarity Revisited Part II
 
A 2-day international conference on the contemporary meaning of the 1989 breakthrough and the tradition of Solidarity. Participants: distinguished social scientists, historians, theoreticians of culture, art critics and political scientists from Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany.
 
The project implemented in collaboration with IAM, IKP, SSEES UCL.

5 - 6th June
2009

Great Britain

Embassy
in London

Solidarity Revisited Part III
 
Philosophers and political scientists will hold panel discussions at the Tate Modern on the importance of Solidarity and the 1989 breakthrough A lecture by Slovoj Žižek. Panellists: Chantal Mouffe, Alan Badiou, Jacques Ranciere, Zygmunt Bauman or Sławomir Sierakowski, facilitator: Simon Critchley.
 
The project implemented in collaboration with IAM, IKP and Tate Modern.

June
2009 

Great Britain

Embassy
in London

Solidarity Revisited Part IV
 
Lectures at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on political changes in Poland in 1989.
 
The project implemented in collaboration with IAM, IKP, Polish Embassy Southbank Centre, Lech Wałęsa Institute.

June
2009

Great Britain

Embassy
in London

Solidarity Revisited Part V
 
Archiving the collection of Central and Eastern European political posters illustrating the changes of 1989, the first democratic elections in Poland and the transformation of Czechoslovakia.
 
The project implemented in collaboration with IAM, IKP and V&A Museum.

June
2009

Hungary

Embassy and Polish Institute
in Budapest 

A scientific conference to mark the opening of the exhibition “Solidarity. The Opposition and Culture in Poland 1980–1989”
 
A scientific conference at the Szentendre District Museum with the participation of Bogdan Lis, Jerzy Eisler, Andrzej Celiński and Maciej Zięba. The aim is to present the activities of the democratic opposition in Poland in 1980s while providing an opportunity to meet former oppositionists.
 
Co-organized by: Szentendre District Museum, Polish Embassy, Polish Institute.

7th November
2009

Hungary

Polish Institute
in Budapest

Freedom’89
 
Concerts and art happenings at the prestigious Gödör Club in Budapest to familiarize young Hungarians with the idea of Polish Solidarity and the processes and consequences of the 1989 transformation in Poland.
 
Partner: Gödör Club.

4th June
2009

India

Embassy
in New Delhi

We Who Fought at Tobruk and Monte Cassino

Showings of documentaries about Polish-Indian brotherhood in arms at Tobruk and Monte Cassino.
The project aims to encourage more interest in the key Second World War events in which Poles took part.
 
Partners: National Defence College, Institute of National Remembrance, Military History Institute, Telewizja Polska SA (Polish Television).

October
2009

Israel

Polish Institute
in Tel Aviv

On the Road to Freedom

A series of radio broadcasts to remind the public that the fall of Communism in Central Europe started in Poland, while demonstrating the existence of a community of shared experience in Central European countries.

Co-organized by: selected radio stations, Dr Yitzchak Noi, Czech Embassy, Goethe Institute.

4th June
2009

Israel

Polish Institute
in Tel Aviv

Globe – From Solidarity to Freedom

A television programme on the role of Solidarity in driving the change of the political system in Central and Eastern Europe.
 
Partner: Channel One of the Israeli Public Television.

1 - 6th June
2009

Israel

Polish Institute
in Tel Aviv

An All-Night Movie Marathon

The recovery of freedom in 1989 presented from the artistic and cinematographic perspective. Movie showings will be preceded by a panel discussion of Polish, German and Czech ambassadors.
 
Co-organized by: Cinematheque Cinema, Czech Embassy, Goethe Institute

November
2009

Italy

Embassy
in Rome

A symposium on the democratic transformation of Europe in 1990s and the figure of Professor B. Geremek.
 
A scientific conference at the Accademia dei Lincei in Rome to highlight Poland’s contribution to the fall of Communism and transformation towards freedom and democracy in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to promote knowledge on the effects of democratic and political reforms in Central and Eastern Europe and the role of Poland and Polish intellectuals in creating a new political order in Europe. The conference will be accompanied by the exhibition “The Decade of Solidarity 1979–1989”.
 
Co-organized by: Palazzo del Quirinale, Chancellery of the President of the Italian Republic – Accademia Nazionele dei Lincei..

2-30th April
2009

Italy

Embassy
in Rome

A scientific seminar at the Italian National Library in Rome on the circumstances and consequences of the fall of Communism in Europe, attended by representatives of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.
 
Co-organized by: Czech, Hungarian, Slovak and German Embassies,
Italian National Library, Enciclopedia Treccani Foundation.

October
2009

Latvia

Embassy
in Riga

A concert to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the first free election in Poland.
 
The concert will be given by Małgorzata Pańko and Irina Bogdanovich at the Concert Hall of the Latvia House.

11th June
2009

Latvia

Embassy
in Riga

Warsaw – Autumn 1939

An exhibition of previously unpublished photographs of German soldiers from October and November 1939, showing the destruction of Warsaw, the plight of the city’s inhabitants and the entry of the German army. Held at the Latvia Museum of War, the exhibition is intended for the general public, both Latvians and foreigners visiting the country in summer.
 
Partner: Warsaw State Archives, Riga City Cultural Agency.

August
- September
2009

Lithuania

Polish Institute
in Vilnius

Europe After the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact

An exhibition at the Vilnius University to promote knowledge on how the Pact impacted the history of Central and Eastern European countries after the Second World War.
 
Partner: Institute of National Remembrance.

March
2009

Lithuania

Polish Institute
in Vilnius

Eastern Europe in the Face of Current Social and Cultural Challenges

A national conference at the Vilnius Pedagogical University and the Vilnius City Hall to identify current processes in the field of culture in Central Europe that have an impact on shaping the continent’s contemporary identity. The event will be attended by scientists, politicians, academics, representatives of culture and education, teachers, history lovers and experts.
 
Partner: Vilnius Pedagogical University, Vilnius City Hall.

19th March
2009

Lithuania

Polish Institute
in Vilnius

The Autumn of Nations in Europe

An exhibition on Poland’s and Solidarity’s role in driving changes in Central European countries from the Cold War until 1989.
 
Partner: Solidarity Centre Foundation.

August
- September
2009

Luxembourg

Embassy
in Luxembourg

Freedom’89. Made in Poland – a Review of Films

The aim is to highlight Poland’s role as a leader of the process leading to the fall of Communism in Europe and the collapse of the Berlin Wall.
 
Partner: Ancien Cinéma in Vianden, PISF.

2009

Luxembourg

Embassy
in Luxembourg

Architecture and Urbanization in Central Europe
 
An international conference to present the transformation of Polish architecture in the context of social and political changes after 1989.
 
Co-organized by: Pierre Werner Institute, Romanian Embassy, French Culture Centre, German Embassy.

6th March
2009

Mexico

Embassy
in Mexico

Santa Rosa

A presentation on the history of the Mexican camp for Polish refugees during the Second World War as an example of solidarity between the two countries, pictured against a broader historical background.

September
- October
2009

Netherlands

Embassy
in Hague

The Twentieth Anniversary of Freedom

A ceremonial concert to commemorate the anniversary of democratic change in Poland and its consequences for Europe.

Partner: Maastricht Conservatory

10th June
2009

Romania

Embassy and Polish Institute
in Bucharest

Freedom ’89 – Made in Poland
 
Concerts by the Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Antoni Wit (soloist: Jakub Jakowicz) accompanied by the exhibition “The Phenomenon of Solidarity” (organized by the Karta Centre) and followed up by a cocktail. The concert will include works by H. Górecki, H. Wieniawski, K. Penderecki and W. Lutosławski.
 
Partner: Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra

11 - 12th June
2009

Romania

Embassy and Polish Institute
in Bucharest

Freedom’89
 
A series of articles by renowned Polish politicians and columnists to be published in opinion-forming Romanian weeklies, e.g., Revista 22 and Observator Cultural.

8 - 15th June
2009

Russia

Embassy
in Moscow

Causes of the Second World War – a Scientific Conference
 
A historical analysis of the causes of the Second World War from the viewpoints of Polish and Russian historiographies.
 
Co-organized by: Scientific Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Moscow, Polish Academy of Sciences Permanent Representation to the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian History Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow.

June
2009

Russia

Embassy
in Moscow

Clandestine circulation – samizdat
 
Presentation of samizdat publications in the Soviet Union and Communist block countries in 1960–1990. Intended mainly for Moscow’s inhabitants, its aim is to promote awareness of democratic changes which led to the collapse of Communism in Central Europe.
 
Co-organized by: A. Sakharov Museum, Czech, Slovak and Hungarian Embassies, KARTA Centre.

June
2009 

Russia

Consulate
in Sankt Petersburg

Poland Fights. 1939–1989
 
A conference for young people from Polish communities comprising workshops, seminars and competitions.
 
Co-organized by: Polish Home in St. Petersburg, KARTA Centre, SKO “Polonia” and other Polish community organizations

October
2009

Russia

Consulate
in Sankt Petersburg

Let Poland Come to You in Your Sleep
 
The aim is to commemorate Polish victims and promote knowledge of the fate of Polish population in the territories seized by the Soviet army after 17 September 1939. Visits in the company of representatives of local Polish communities to the sites of national remembrance in the districts of Borovichi, Vorkuta, Kotlas, Sandarmoch etc.
 
Co-organized by: SKO “Polonia”, Union of Poles and other regional Polish community organizations

1st December
2009

Slovakia

Polish Institute
in Bratislava

The Smuggling of Freedom Across the Tatra Mountains – Couriers, Taternicy and Others – A Conference
 
The aim is to highlight the importance of the Tatra freedom route and outline the lives of the most famous Tatra couriers, Taternicy and Polish-Czech-Slovak Solidarity activists.
 
Partner: Institute of National Remembrance, Nation’s Memory Institute.

November
2009

Slovakia

Polish Institute
in Bratislava

Following the Traces of the Inhabitants of Pre-War Warsaw
 
A photo exhibition on the everyday life in Warsaw before the Second World War to be shown in Bratislava, Banska Stiavnica and Liptovsky Mikulas.
 
Partners: Library of the capital city of Warsaw, Slovak local authorities.

2009

Slovakia

Polish Institute
in Bratislava

1989 – How Were Freedom and Democracy Regained in Poland? How Was the Civil Society Rebuilt?
 
A debate of Polish and Czech politicians and columnists on the ground-breaking importance of democratic change in Poland in the context of Central Europe.
 
Partner: local Institute of Public Affairs (IVO).

May
2009

Spain

Polish Institute
in Madrid

Awareness campaign

Presentation to the general public of Poland’s contribution to the legacy of freedom.

June
2009 

Spain

Consulate
in Barcelona

All Colours of Democracy – It All Began at a Port: Gdańsk–Barcelona

An art installation by Jerzy Janiszewski.

2009

Sweden

Embassy
in Stockholm

The open-air exhibition “It All Began in Poland” ECS
 
An exhibition in central Stockholm (Kungsträdgården) on the history of democratic changes.
 
Partners: European Solidarity Centre, Polish Institute in Stockholm.

3 - 11th May
2009

Sweden

Embassy
in Stockholm

A concert by Sinfonia Varsovia to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Second World War.
 
The event comprises a concert by Sinfonia Varsovia during the Berwaldhallen Baltic Sea Festival (the biggest classical music festival in Sweden) to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Second World War, an exhibition on Warsaw and a Chopin concert in Storkyran performed by young Polish, German and Russian musicians.
 
Co-organized by: Berwaldhallen (Swedish Public Radio), the city of Warsaw, Polish Institute.

1st September
2009

Sweden

Embassy
in Stockholm

The Peaceful Revolution of 1989
 
A scientific conference with the participants of the Round Table Talks.
 
Co-organized by: Södertörns Högskola University, the Embassies of the Vysehrad Group countries, Germany and Romania, Polish Institute.

22 - 24th October
2009

Sweden

Embassy
in Stockholm

The 1989 transition in Poland
 
A seminar with A. Michnik to present Poland’s road to freedom and the country’s place in Europe.
The event is intended for everyone: not only intellectuals and politicians but also ordinary Swedes are invited to attend.

September
- October
2009

Ukraine

Embassy
in Kiev

The Second World War in the Ukrainian and European Memory – A Conference
 
An international conference to present the outcomes of Polish research on the Second World War.
 
Partners: Fulbright Commission in Ukraine, Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, Institute for Criticism, Keenan Institute in Kiev, Goethe Institute, National University of Kiev-Mohyla Academy.

24 - 27th 
September
2009

Ukraine

Embassy
in Kiev

The Beginning of the Second World War in the Eyes of Lviv Inhabitants
 
An open-air exhibition to present the beginning of the Second World War from the Polish perspective – a debate with the Ukrainian idea of “Golden September”.
 
Co-organized by: History Institute of the Lviv University, Prof. J. Hrycak, Centre for Research of the City’s History, Second World War Museum, G. Mazur (Jagiellonian University), G. Hryciuk (Wrocław University), O. Pawłyszyn (Łódź University), I. Swarnyk (Lviv State Archives).

September
2009

Ukraine

Polish Institute
in Kiev

The City Game – the Opposition of the Late 1980s in Lviv and Gdańsk
 
The game is designed to promote contemporary history in an unconventional way: by providing an opportunity to play the roles of heroes of the Communist opposition and exploring the history of selected cities. The aim is to strengthen integration among young Poles and Ukrainians.
 
Partner: Gdańsk Shipyard Museum, Piast scout organizations.

3rd part of
2009

Ukraine

Consulate
in Odessa

Polish Days in Odessa
 
The aim is to highlight the positive impact of democratic change in 1989, promote knowledge about Poland, its culture, tradition, history and political personalities, and present Poland as a modern and responsible EU member and a strong NATO partner.
 
Partner: Polish community organizations in the Odessa consular district, Odeska Meria.

23 - 26th April 
2009

USA

Consulate
in New York

Freedom’89 – Made in Poland – for New York
 
An information, awareness and media campaign for the general public in New York, comprising open-air projects, promotional events, conferences and publications.
 
Partners: Polish Culture Institute, New York City Municipal Government, universities, advertising agencies

June
2009

USA

Consulate
in Chicago

Freedom´89 – Born in Poland
 
A big concert open to the public (free entry). Warsaw, Chicago’s sister city, will collaborate in designing the artistic programme, which will mostly feature modern interpretations of Chopin’s music (classical, symphony and rock renditions) and multimedia shows. The concert will be held at the prestigious Millennium Park, considered to be Midwest’s premier cutting-edge music venues. Invited artists will include the renowned piano pianists Janusz Olejniczak and Leszek Możdżer, the singers Anna Serafińska and Leszek Świdziński and the musicians taking part in the “Rock Loves Chopin” project designed by Stołeczna Estrada. In addition to the musical programme, special films will be produced to illustrate Poland’s progress from the birth of Solidarity through the events of June 1989 until its accession to the NATO and the EU. Lech Wałęsa will be the guest of honour. The concert will be hosted by the popular ABC anchor Alan Krashesky.
 
Co-organized by: the city of Warsaw, Stołeczna Estrada; Integra Communications.

29th May
2009

USA

Consulate
in  Chicago

Poland on the Pier: 5-10-20
 
A promotional festival on the Navy Pier in Chicago organized as part of the Polish Constitution Day celebrations. Accompanied by the US premiere of Testimony (Świadectwo), a movie about Pope John Paul II, the event is designed to educate the American audience, including those of Polish origin, on Poland’s road to freedom and membership in Transatlantic and European organizations, with a particular focus on the fifth anniversary of the EU membership, the tenth anniversary of the NATO membership and the twentieth anniversary of the fall of Communism.
 
Co-organized by: Polish American Cultural and Educational Institute, Abramowicz Catholic Seminary, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

2009

USA

Embassy
in Washington 

The 20th Anniversary of the Beginning of Economic and Political Transformation in Europe
 
An international conference on Poland’s role as an initiator and leader of economic and political transformation in Central Europe.
 
Co-organized by: Embassy, Freedom Foundation, Institute of Civic Initiatives, Centre for European Policy Analysis.

November
- December
2009