Krakow, Poland, is poised to become a vibrant canvas for a captivating celebration of art that transcends boundaries and welcomes creativity from around the world. The Open Eyes Art Festival (OEAF) is set to unfold as an integral part of the Open Eyes Economy Summit Congress, marking the natural evolution of its predecessor, the Open Eyes Festival, which first graced the city’s cultural landscape in 2021.

Embracing Diversity and Interdisciplinarity

At the heart of the OEAF lies a profound commitment to celebrating diversity and interdisciplinarity. This festival serves as a beacon of creativity, offering a wide spectrum of artistic expressions that span across various mediums. The event warmly welcomes artists and creators from a multitude of disciplines, including painting, sculpture, dance, theater, film, photography, graphics, and an extensive range of music genres, from the serious and contemplative to the entertaining and lively. Here, traditional boundaries are transcended, and the lines between different art forms blur, giving rise to a rich tapestry of innovation and thought-provoking works.

A Collaborative Platform for Innovation

One of the pillars of the OEAF’s continued success is its unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration. Organizers work closely with numerous cultural institutions to curate and prepare the array of events that comprise the festival. This collaborative spirit not only enriches the festival’s offerings but also fosters a seamless fusion of talents and ideas, resulting in a truly unique and engaging experience for attendees.

Honoring Tradition and Innovation

Despite its international scale and reach, the Open Eyes Art Festival maintains a deep connection with its cultural roots. The festival ventures beyond the confines of traditional art venues, often surprising and delighting audiences by popping up in unexpected urban spaces. This approach not only challenges preconceived notions of where art can thrive but also reinforces the idea that art should be accessible and appreciated by all, regardless of their proximity to established cultural hubs.

A Whirlwind Journey Through Art and Culture

The OEAF promises an immersive experience for both dedicated art enthusiasts and the curious general public, encouraging everyone to explore and engage with art in its diverse forms. With its commitment to diversity, interdisciplinarity, and collaboration, the Open Eyes Art Festival continues to be a dynamic celebration of artistic expression and cultural exchange.

This year’s edition is shaping up to be an extraordinary testament to the power of art in transcending boundaries and connecting people through the universal language of creativity. In addition to the core festival, attendees can look forward to a series of exciting events and exhibitions that will make their mark on Krakow’s art and culture scene. The program includes:

1. Tadeusz Kantor’s Legacy: A prominent feature of this year’s OEAF is the celebration of Tadeusz Kantor, a legendary figure in the world of art. In the Galeria – Pracownia Tadeusza Kantora and the ASP Museum, attendees can immerse themselves in Kantor’s world, with the presentation of his drawings from the Italian collection of Stefanii Pigi. At Cricoteka, the “Cloakroom” project will offer a fresh perspective on Kantor’s influence on contemporary visual arts through curatorial research and creative exploration.
2. Exhibitions and Conferences: The festival program includes a rich array of exhibitions and conferences. Renowned artists like Stelarc, a contemporary Australian artist, and local talents associated with the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Andrzej Bednarczyk and Katarzyna Wójcicka, will showcase their work. Additionally, the festival will feature the exhibition “Regulated Modernity: Modernism in the People’s Republic of Poland,” prepared by the National Museum in Krakow.
3. Przestrzeń dla Sztuki: As part of the festival, the tenth edition of the exhibition series “Przestrzeń dla Sztuki” will be presented, promoting the accomplishments of outstanding artists and educators from the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. This edition will highlight the contributions of Krystyna and Jerzy Nowakowski, and three parallel exhibitions will provide a comprehensive view of the artists’ work, filling the White Gallery of the Nowa Huta Cultural Center and spaces within Krakow’s universities, including the ASP Gallery in Krakow and the GAP Gallery at the University of Economics.
4. Incorporation into the Open Eyes Economy Summit Congress: The Open Eyes Art Festival will also extend its presence to the Open Eyes Economy Summit Congress, held on November 21-22 at the ICE Kraków Congress Center. Here, attendees can explore the latest documentary film by Ewa Ewart, “Do ostatniej kropli,” which has received accolades at prestigious events like the Monte Carlo Television Festival. The Congress Center will be animated by the performative art of Łukasz Błażejewski.
5. Grand Finale: “Inspiracje Picassem” Exhibition: To culminate this year’s Open Eyes Art Festival, a spectacular event awaits. The vernissage of the “Inspiracje Picassem” exhibition, featuring the works of Dariusz Vasina and Mariola Wawrzusiak-Borcz, is scheduled for November 23 at the Institute Cervantesa.

The OEAF is not merely a festival; it is a journey through the rich tapestry of art and culture, uniting people from all walks of life and backgrounds. It represents a commitment to mutual appreciation, diversity, and creativity that is set to leave an indelible mark on Krakow’s cultural landscape. So, mark your calendars for the official commencement on November 7, 2023, at the post-hospital spaces on 15 Kopernika Street, and let your eyes be opened to a world of art, imagination, and connection.