In January 2025, Poland's cultural scene will be in the spotlight across Europe. As part of Poland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, nearly 100 cultural events will take place from January to June next year in more than 20 European countries, including concerts, performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and literary meetings. The program, organized by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute titled "Culture sparks unity," will showcase the most interesting phenomena of contemporary Polish art, with a focus on the new generation. Projects in both EU member states and candidate countries aim to promote the ideas of solidarity and international cooperation.
In mid-February, Brussels will host the flagship Polish festival with international renown – the Unsound Festival, focusing on the latest trends in Polish electronic and experimental music. The "Peel Slowly and See" festival in Leiden, Netherlands, will feature three Polish ensembles and an electronic music artist: Wacław Zimpel with James Holden, Zamilska, Trupa Trupa, and Atol Atol Atol.
At the end of June, a concert will mark the conclusion of the six-month cultural program. In Brussels' Flagey, the audience will hear the world premiere of “Unity”, a concert specially prepared for Poland's Presidency of the EU Council by pianist and composer Aleksander Dębicz. The concert will feature world-renowned Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński.
As part of the project "Polish Music on Your Playlist," organizers have created special Spotify playlists dedicated to Polish music.
This is just a part of nearly 100 events scheduled over the next six months across Europe. The program has been developed with the involvement of both Polish and foreign partners and supported by Polish Institutes and local institutions. Detailed information will be available from the beginning of January on the website https://poland2025eu.culture.pl/ managed by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute.
Grzegorz Niemczyk
