Art Picnic. Visegrad Days 25.06.2021
This year The Art Picnic will present the culture of the Visegrad Group countries.
Art Picnic at Villa Decius
Visegrad Days, 1-4 July 2021
"Art Picnic at Villa Decius" is a cyclical event devoted to the presentation of the cultural diversity of our city and its multicultural roots to Krakow citizens. The Art Picnic taking place at one of the most interesting Krakow venues, established by a German, Justus Ludwik Decius, a migrant from Alsace, refers to the very character of the City which remains open and builds its cultural potential based on the heritage of visitors and close contacts with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
This year, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Visegrad Group, the Villa Decius Institute for Culture has decided to organize an Art Picnic devoted to the V4 countries. Villa Decius has for many years been a member of the Visegrad network of organizations animating a variety of cultural and educational initiatives, a meeting place for future regional leaders, and a center for innovative solutions.
The Art Picnic, planned for 1-4 July 2021, will present the culture of the Visegrad Group countries. In cooperation with numerous cultural institutions – embassies and institutes – we plan to prepare a program showing interesting and valuable phenomena in the fine arts, film, literature, and music of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.
Programme
1 July, 6:00 pm, Villa Decius (lower courtyard)
Opening of the “PoszTerra” travelling exhibition with posters from V4 countries
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the cooperation between the Visegrad countries, the Hungarian Academy of Arts initiated the international poster exhibition “PoszTerra.” As noted in the introduction to the exhibition catalogue, V4 countries are major players in poster art. This is confirmed by major cyclical events held for many years: Biennale in Brno, Triennale in Trnava, Budapest Posterfest, and Warsaw Poster Biennale. The cross-sectional exhibition is a challenging selection of works by three outstanding artists representing each of the Visegrad countries. In addition to the works of masters the exhibition also features projects by selected students. Works by authors from Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia juxtaposed side by side show the history of design of cultural posters with distinctive national characteristics. The exhibition was inaugurated at the Pest Redoubt. The carefully selected collection of poster projects began its journey to the capitals of the Visegrad countries and other V4 cities.
Curator: Krzysztof Ducki
The exhibition will be on display from 1 to 31 July 2021.
1 July, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Gothic Garden at Villa Decius
Teqball demonstration + open play area
2 July, 5:00 pm, Villa Decius
Meeting: Literary Centre of Europe
“A Hijacked West or the Tragedy of Central Europe]"– Milan Kundera’s essay published in 1984 sparked a decades-long debate on the common identity of Central European countries. We would like to discuss this issue in a slightly different context and ask the following questions: Does Central European literature still exist today? Is it possible to identify its common sources, or is the diversity of traditions of Central European countries more important?
The participants in the discussion will include Pavol Rankov (Slovakia), Alena Mornštajnová (the Czech Republic), Aleksander Kaczorowski (Poland), and Ferenc Czinki (Hungary) – scholarship holders of the “Visegrad Literary Residences” programme implemented since 2012 by the International Visegrad Fund and the Villa Decius Association.
Host: Aleksandra Hudymač
2 July, 6:00 pm, Villa Decius
BalkanArtz concert – traditional music in a modern arrangement
BalkanArtz was founded in 2015. It brings together artists who are inspired by folk music and create unique interpretations based on their fascination and musical experiences. The second part of the band’s name refers to the Hungarian word “Arc” meaning “face.” BalkanArtz combines traditional sounds with modern arrangements, showing the listeners a new face of Balkan music.
3 July, 6:00 pm, Villa Decius
Opening of the exhibition of monotyping works and sculptures “Botanical Dream No. 11” by Prof. Milan Lukáč
The exhibition “Botanical Dream No. 11” by Prof. Milan Lukáč is an artistic time travel – the artist’s return to his childhood and his fascination with nature. The exhibition, inspired by the flora and fauna of the childhood garden, presents sculptures and prints which create a mythical space: close and intimate, but also symbolising the whole world and life. It will fit perfectly with the green space around the palace and make an interesting reference to the sculptures by Bronisław Chromy presented in Park Decius near the Villa.
The exhibition will be on display from 1 to 31 July 2021.
4 July, 5:00 pm, Planty in Kraków (route between Poselska Street and Wawel)
Opening of the open-air exhibition “Visegrad is the people" on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Visegrad Group
The idea of the exhibition is to present people involved in V4 cooperation – their achievements, successes, activities, but also the challenges, opportunities, and difficulties they face. The exhibition is divided into several subject areas, such as history, culture, people, cross-border cooperation, education, aspects of innovation and solidarity. It aims to highlighing the role of the V4 communities at different levels and showing the power of international cooperation on a local and global scale.
HONORARY PATRONAGE – WITOLD KOZŁOWSKI, MARSHAL OF THE MAŁOPOLSKIE PROVINCE
1, 2, and 4 July, 7:00 pm, Villa Decius
Havel starring. Summer Cinema at Villa Decius
Film screenings:
1 July 2021, 7:00 pm
“Olga” directed by Miroslav Janek
Olga Havlová was an exceptional woman and a companion of President Václav Havel from the very beginning. The film contains many previously unpublished documents, film extracts, and photographs. Olga is depicted as an uncompromising social commentator, fundamental dissident, and matter-of-fact woman who hates any kind of exaggeration, loves subtle humour, and always says what she thinks. Her friends confirm that she did not change her approach and kept her feet firmly on the ground, even in her role as the First Lady.
Documentary, 2014, 87 min.
2 July 2021, 7:00 pm
“Citizen Havel” directed by Miroslav Janek / Pavel Koutecký
Introduction: Aleksander Kaczorowski
In 1992, after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the former political dissident, leader of the Velvet Revolution, playwright and essayist Václav Havel was elected the first president of the new state, the Czech Republic. The former public enemy was given a social mandate to transform the state and its institutions. Aware of how unique such events were, Havel allowed his friend and filmmaker Pavel Koutecký to accompany him both to Hradčany (the seat of the President) and on his travels around the world. This resulted in “Citizen Havel,” a feature-length documentary made up of never-before-seen images that shows a portrait of a man at the heart of international politics and media scrutiny, trying to find a balance between being a public figure and his personal life and attempting to lead his nation from communism to a free and democratic future. The materials for the film were collected over 13 years.
Documentary, 2008, 120 min.
4 July 2021, 7:00 pm
“Our Waszek. Power of the Powerless” directed by Krystyna Krauze
A film chroniclingthe fate and life achievements of Vaclav Havel, President of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, a symbol of the fight against communism and the changes in Central Europe after 1989.
Documentary, 2012, 52 min.
1-18 July, Villa Decius
Exhibition accompanying the Summer Cinema at Villa Decius
“Václav Havel. Politics and Conscience”
1-4 July, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Villa Decius
Café garden with Visegrad menu
Visegrad Days, 1-4 July 2021
"Art Picnic at Villa Decius" is a cyclical event devoted to the presentation of the cultural diversity of our city and its multicultural roots to Krakow citizens. The Art Picnic taking place at one of the most interesting Krakow venues, established by a German, Justus Ludwik Decius, a migrant from Alsace, refers to the very character of the City which remains open and builds its cultural potential based on the heritage of visitors and close contacts with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
This year, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Visegrad Group, the Villa Decius Institute for Culture has decided to organize an Art Picnic devoted to the V4 countries. Villa Decius has for many years been a member of the Visegrad network of organizations animating a variety of cultural and educational initiatives, a meeting place for future regional leaders, and a center for innovative solutions.
The Art Picnic, planned for 1-4 July 2021, will present the culture of the Visegrad Group countries. In cooperation with numerous cultural institutions – embassies and institutes – we plan to prepare a program showing interesting and valuable phenomena in the fine arts, film, literature, and music of Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland.
Programme
1 July, 6:00 pm, Villa Decius (lower courtyard)
Opening of the “PoszTerra” travelling exhibition with posters from V4 countries
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the cooperation between the Visegrad countries, the Hungarian Academy of Arts initiated the international poster exhibition “PoszTerra.” As noted in the introduction to the exhibition catalogue, V4 countries are major players in poster art. This is confirmed by major cyclical events held for many years: Biennale in Brno, Triennale in Trnava, Budapest Posterfest, and Warsaw Poster Biennale. The cross-sectional exhibition is a challenging selection of works by three outstanding artists representing each of the Visegrad countries. In addition to the works of masters the exhibition also features projects by selected students. Works by authors from Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia juxtaposed side by side show the history of design of cultural posters with distinctive national characteristics. The exhibition was inaugurated at the Pest Redoubt. The carefully selected collection of poster projects began its journey to the capitals of the Visegrad countries and other V4 cities.
Curator: Krzysztof Ducki
The exhibition will be on display from 1 to 31 July 2021.
1 July, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Gothic Garden at Villa Decius
Teqball demonstration + open play area
2 July, 5:00 pm, Villa Decius
Meeting: Literary Centre of Europe
“A Hijacked West or the Tragedy of Central Europe]"– Milan Kundera’s essay published in 1984 sparked a decades-long debate on the common identity of Central European countries. We would like to discuss this issue in a slightly different context and ask the following questions: Does Central European literature still exist today? Is it possible to identify its common sources, or is the diversity of traditions of Central European countries more important?
The participants in the discussion will include Pavol Rankov (Slovakia), Alena Mornštajnová (the Czech Republic), Aleksander Kaczorowski (Poland), and Ferenc Czinki (Hungary) – scholarship holders of the “Visegrad Literary Residences” programme implemented since 2012 by the International Visegrad Fund and the Villa Decius Association.
Host: Aleksandra Hudymač
2 July, 6:00 pm, Villa Decius
BalkanArtz concert – traditional music in a modern arrangement
BalkanArtz was founded in 2015. It brings together artists who are inspired by folk music and create unique interpretations based on their fascination and musical experiences. The second part of the band’s name refers to the Hungarian word “Arc” meaning “face.” BalkanArtz combines traditional sounds with modern arrangements, showing the listeners a new face of Balkan music.
3 July, 6:00 pm, Villa Decius
Opening of the exhibition of monotyping works and sculptures “Botanical Dream No. 11” by Prof. Milan Lukáč
The exhibition “Botanical Dream No. 11” by Prof. Milan Lukáč is an artistic time travel – the artist’s return to his childhood and his fascination with nature. The exhibition, inspired by the flora and fauna of the childhood garden, presents sculptures and prints which create a mythical space: close and intimate, but also symbolising the whole world and life. It will fit perfectly with the green space around the palace and make an interesting reference to the sculptures by Bronisław Chromy presented in Park Decius near the Villa.
The exhibition will be on display from 1 to 31 July 2021.
4 July, 5:00 pm, Planty in Kraków (route between Poselska Street and Wawel)
Opening of the open-air exhibition “Visegrad is the people" on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Visegrad Group
The idea of the exhibition is to present people involved in V4 cooperation – their achievements, successes, activities, but also the challenges, opportunities, and difficulties they face. The exhibition is divided into several subject areas, such as history, culture, people, cross-border cooperation, education, aspects of innovation and solidarity. It aims to highlighing the role of the V4 communities at different levels and showing the power of international cooperation on a local and global scale.
HONORARY PATRONAGE – WITOLD KOZŁOWSKI, MARSHAL OF THE MAŁOPOLSKIE PROVINCE
1, 2, and 4 July, 7:00 pm, Villa Decius
Havel starring. Summer Cinema at Villa Decius
Film screenings:
1 July 2021, 7:00 pm
“Olga” directed by Miroslav Janek
Olga Havlová was an exceptional woman and a companion of President Václav Havel from the very beginning. The film contains many previously unpublished documents, film extracts, and photographs. Olga is depicted as an uncompromising social commentator, fundamental dissident, and matter-of-fact woman who hates any kind of exaggeration, loves subtle humour, and always says what she thinks. Her friends confirm that she did not change her approach and kept her feet firmly on the ground, even in her role as the First Lady.
Documentary, 2014, 87 min.
2 July 2021, 7:00 pm
“Citizen Havel” directed by Miroslav Janek / Pavel Koutecký
Introduction: Aleksander Kaczorowski
In 1992, after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the former political dissident, leader of the Velvet Revolution, playwright and essayist Václav Havel was elected the first president of the new state, the Czech Republic. The former public enemy was given a social mandate to transform the state and its institutions. Aware of how unique such events were, Havel allowed his friend and filmmaker Pavel Koutecký to accompany him both to Hradčany (the seat of the President) and on his travels around the world. This resulted in “Citizen Havel,” a feature-length documentary made up of never-before-seen images that shows a portrait of a man at the heart of international politics and media scrutiny, trying to find a balance between being a public figure and his personal life and attempting to lead his nation from communism to a free and democratic future. The materials for the film were collected over 13 years.
Documentary, 2008, 120 min.
4 July 2021, 7:00 pm
“Our Waszek. Power of the Powerless” directed by Krystyna Krauze
A film chroniclingthe fate and life achievements of Vaclav Havel, President of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic, a symbol of the fight against communism and the changes in Central Europe after 1989.
Documentary, 2012, 52 min.
1-18 July, Villa Decius
Exhibition accompanying the Summer Cinema at Villa Decius
“Václav Havel. Politics and Conscience”
1-4 July, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Villa Decius
Café garden with Visegrad menu