We invite you to the opening of the restorative installation “Embrace Senses” by Dominika Wiak, Anna Oramus, and Yana Maroz, accompanied by music by Éliane Radigue. The installation will be available twice, and prior to its opening there will be a conversation on how neurodivergent audiences experience art, featuring Marcin Matuszewski and Dominika Wiak.
15 March 2026
18:30–19:00 NCK staircase — conversation on how neurodivergent audiences experience art with Marcin Matuszewski and Dominika Wiak / moderated by Karolina Graca
19:00 KCC studio — entry of the first group
20:00 KCC studio — entry of the second group
ABOUT THE INSTALLATION:
“Embrace Senses” is a restorative installation that explores the relationship between sensory regulation and the experience of neurodiversity. The work was created to provide a safe space for shared rest for both neurotypical and neurodivergent people (including ADHD and autism spectrum).
Dominika Wiak, herself an ADHD-spectrum individual, together with the project’s co-creators examines the process of designing a soothing, calming experience. The titular “embrace” refers to the gesture of hugging — oneself, one’s own perception, and one’s current psychophysical state — without the need to correct it. The installation is a place where different modes of perception can coexist without the need to adapt to normative patterns of attention and presence.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Before entering the installation, we will invite you to take part in a short sensory exercise. We will also ask you to remove your shoes.
A performer will guide you into the space. This will be a brief and gentle interaction.
The experience lasts approximately 35 minutes.
However, you may leave earlier at any time.
Toward the end, silence will appear as a signal that the installation has concluded.
The space includes:
• soft cushions for lying down or sitting
• objects that can be touched
The stimuli in the installation are:
• calm
• repetitive
• low-intensity
There are no:
• sudden changes in lighting
• loud sounds
• obligation to have physical contact with others
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR EXPERIENCE:
Wear comfortable, warm clothing.
You may:
• lie down
• sit
• change your body position
• close your eyes
• take a break or leave
You can regulate the amount of sensory input yourself by closing your eyes or using earplugs.
Concept, choreography, performance: Dominika Wiak
Spatial design: Anna Oramus
Object fabrication: Anna Oramus, Weronika Chrząstek
Music: Éliane Radigue
Consultation on creating the installation with consideration for neurodivergent audiences: Marcin Matuszewski
Lighting: Dominika Wiak, Krzysztof Dziedzic
Interviews with neurodivergent individuals on experiencing art: Konrad Kurowski, Pamela Bosak, Klaudyna Schubert
Opening and production: Krakow Choreographic Centre – Nowa Huta Cultural Centre
Partner: CENTRUM Gallery of the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre
The project is carried out as part of the City of Krakow Creative Scholarship awarded to Dominika Wiak and the ZAiKS Creative Support Fund scholarship awarded to Anna Oramus and Dominika Wiak.
Promotional graphics: Yana Maroz
