The conference will focus on the role of art and culture in the development of local communities and the building of the identity of small and medium-sized cities. Representatives of academia, artists, local government officials and those involved in animating cultural life will discuss art in public spaces, arts education and the organisation of local cultural initiatives.
The Scientific Committee includes:
- dr hab. Wioletta Kazimierska-Jerzyk, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz (Polish Society for Aesthetics),
- dr hab. Julia Sowińska-Heim, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz,
- dr hab. Piotr Gryglewski, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz.
The contribution of our academic community also includes lectures and moderating discussions. Dr Bartosz Pokorski will deliver the presentation “Małe miasto, wielka polityka. Krótka historia sfery publicznej od Arystotelesa do Habermasa” [Small Town, Big Politics. A Brief History of the Public Sphere from Aristotle to Habermas], while dr hab. Wioletta Kazimierska-Jerzyk, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, will deliver the lecture “Sztuka w małych i średnich miastach” [Art in Small and Medium-Sized Cities] and chair a panel devoted to arts education. Dr hab. Piotr Gryglewski, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz, will address the question “Kto odpowiada za estetykę miasta?” [Who Is Responsible for the Aesthetics of a Town?], while Dr Dominika Łarionow will discuss “Lokalność jako dziedzictwo regionów” [Locality as the Heritage of Regions].
Dr hab. Agnieszka Gralińska-Toborek, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz will moderate two panels: “Kto pisze miasto? Urban art między uniwersalnością a lokalnością” [Who Writes the City? Urban Art Between Universality and Locality] and “Oddolnie. Odgórnie. Prywatnie. Jak organizować sztukę?” [From the Ground Up. From the Top Down. Privately. How Should Art Be Organised?]. The programme also includes discussions on commemorating through art and implementing local artistic initiatives.
Conference venue: Municipal Cultural Centre Ratusz, 26 Wolności Square, Zduńska Wola
Date: 22–23 October 2026. Participant registration on the first day will begin at 9:15 a.m., with the official opening of the conference at 10:00 a.m. Proceedings on the second day will begin at 10:00 a.m.
