In 2022, together with the OFF Foundation (Hodworks company) from Budapest and Divadlo na Cucky from Olomouc, we implemented the project ‘Lifelong Art in V4 countries’. The aim of this international initiative was to develop new forms of involving seniors in artistic activities and to deepen intergenerational dialogue. Thanks to this cooperation, we as the Krakow Choreographic Centre have expanded our existing program by inviting a new target group to take part in creative activities. In turn, for the seniors, participation in this project provided an opportunity to acquire new stage skills, develop their creativity, increase their self-confidence and improve their well-being.
The project consisted of three phases. In the preparatory phase, during a workshop lasting several days, artists from the three countries jointly developed a methodology for the creative process, based on their previous experience of working with socially excluded groups. In the next stage, which lasted 14 weeks, the participants, under the guidance of the artists, prepared a performance entitled The voice of seniors, which had its premiere during the Krakow Dance Festival. The project concluded with a closing meeting, which included the screening of short films documenting the work of all three teams.
Artists engaged in the project:
Barbara Bujakowska – dancer, choreographer, dance teacher based in Krakow. She studied dance at the Anton Bruckner Privatuniversität in Linz and completed a foundation course at the Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance (SEAD) in Salzburg. She also attended Krakow Opera’s Ballet Studio and practiced gymnastics. She was awarded a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in 2009.
Choreographer of: Swan_like, Movement Modular Synthesis, 3-Dance.
Performer in: Happy!, Śniło mi się, że pozostał po nas pusty pokój, Jestem miłością, Jestem miłością II, Rozmowy z Lou, Jestem miłością III.
Karol Miękina – actor, dancer, choreographer, dance teacher. He studied at the Faculty of Dance Theatre in Bytom (National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow). Member of Polish Dance Theatre – Poznań Ballet ensemble in 2011-2013, currently cooperates with Juliusz Słowacki Theatre in Krakow, Bagatela Theatre, Groteska Theatre and Krakow Opera. Laureate of „Young Poland” scholarship prize awarded by Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in 2014. Choreographer of Public Space (2013), Homo religiosus (2014).
Łukasz Laxy – cellist, conductor, countertenor, teacher of voice emission. Graduated from the Academy of Music in Kraków, majoring in cello and conducting. Conductor of Krakow Revolutionary Choir and co-creator of Autonomous Educational Space which aims at increasing access to free education.
The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.
Visegrad Fund website: https://www.visegradfund.org/
Project website: https://offalapitvany.hu/projektek/lifelong-art-in-v4-countries/
Photo: Klaudyna Schubert
