The festival takes place on the 205th anniversary of the birth of Cyprian Kamil Norwid and is devoted to his work. It is organised by the Ośrodek Kultury Norwida. The programme of the second edition includes an interactive exhibition, a performance, discussion panels, a concert and workshops. All events are free of charge. The festival takes place every five years; the first edition was held in 2021, on the 200th anniversary of the poet’s birth.
The central theme is reflection on loneliness as an experience that can lead to community, closeness and self-knowledge. The programme aims to show how Norwid’s thought speaks to the present day.
Festival programme:
- 20 November, 6 pm – opening of the festival and private view of the exhibition ‘Samotność wspólna’ at the ARTzon of the Ośrodek Kultury Norwida (Os. Górali 4). The exhibition was created by Sebastian Juszczyk and Bartłomiej Biedroń. It combines word and image, and includes the Laboratorium Dźwięku, a sound layer made up of subtle sounds, including the rustling of paper and sliding foil. The exhibition will be open throughout the festival and after it ends, on 20–29 November.
- 20 November, 7 pm – ‘Co słychać i co począć’, a spoken-word performance at the ARTzon (Os. Górali 4), performed by Marcin Miętus. The performance is inspired by Norwid’s cycle ‘Vade-mecum’ and is built on words, rhythm and physical gestures. The performer conveys voices, words and fragments of Norwid’s texts, and meaning emerges from the encounter between sounds and actions.
- 21 November, 2:00–2:20 pm – welcome for guests at the ARTzon (Os. Górali 4).
- 21 November, 2:30–4:00 pm – discussion panel ‘Kiedy słowa łączą? Poezja jako przestrzeń spotkania’, with interpretation into Polish Sign Language. Moderator: Georgina Gryboś. Participants: dr hab. Marta Eloy Cichocka, dr Anna Marchewka, dr hab. Wit Szostak.
- 21 November, 4:00–4:30 pm – break, during which visitors can view the exhibition.
- 21 November, 4:30–6:00 pm – discussion panel ‘Poufne obcowanie’ – Norwid’s concept of closeness, with interpretation into Polish Sign Language. Moderator: Georgina Gryboś. Participants: prof. dr hab. Magdalena Siwiec, dr Eliza Kącka, Tomasz Stawiszyński, Urszula Tłomak.
- 21 November, 6:00–7:00 pm – walk to the concert at the Cistercian Abbey in Mogiła (ul. Klasztorna 11).
- 21 November, 7:30 pm – concert ‘Od-początek’ by the women’s group CHMARA at the Cistercian Abbey in Mogiła. The repertoire includes songs inspired by Norwid’s poetry, performed in multiple voices. The ensemble draws on early songs and polyphonic traditions.
- 22 November, 11:00 am–2:00 pm – illustrative and philosophical workshop ‘Album osobności’ at the ARTzon (Os. Górali 4), led by Ada Augustyniak. The workshop draws on Norwid’s ‘Album Orbis’, a collection that combines image, note and philosophical reflection. Participants create their own visual albums of associations, emotions and experiences.
- 22 November, 11:00 am–1:00 pm – shared reading workshop ‘Norwid – ćwiczenia z obecności’ at the ARTzon (Os. Górali 4), led by dr Katarzyna Trzeciak. Participants read and interpret Norwid’s texts alongside selected concepts from the philosophy of dialogue, including Jürgen Habermas and Emmanuel Levinas.
- 22 November, 2:00 pm – closing of the festival.
Registration for both workshops on 22 November required sign-up via an online form, available from 9 November. Registration was open until 19 November, until 3:00 pm.