Looking into the future

by Ms Marta Jaskulska

The main thesis of its culture policy is focused on using cultural and historical heritage to make Gdansk worth the name of European Capital of Culture in 2016. A thousand years of history and beautiful scenery linked with bright lights, lively clubs, galleries, concerts
- that all makes the unfor gettable atmosphere. Gdansk stands for the music. Here you can find everything
- from classical pieces of Mozartiana, Gdansk Music Spring, Ludwig van Beethoven Easter Festival, Saint John's Opera Festival, through street musicians, to David Gilmour or Jean Michelle Jarre shows. Gdansk is famous for its theaters
- Shakespeare's Festival and the Festival of Street Theaters FETA. At first sight you may see that this vast variety of cultural events is soundly united with the vision of the future.

Similar thought lies at the basics of the revitalization of the historical city districts. The best example is the Gdansk' Music Congress Centre on the Olowian-ka Island, close to the Old Town. The new Baltic Philharmonic is a group of buildings of the former thermal power plant from the end of 19th century and the monumental Royal Granary built in 1606. The success of this project relies on the rapid growth of music lovers.

The Center of Contemporary Art Laznia is another cultural institution. The Laznia, Academy of Music, Academy of Fine Arts and National Museum, are all located in the Lower City, a district with long history and social problems such as unemployment and social pathologies. The Laznia is also a project incorporated in the revitalization. This project can be described in three ideas: identity, public spirit and openness. Lower city district, being a great place for artistic activity, will be more attractive thanks to such institutions as the Outdoor Gallery.

The problem of the enormous areas of the former shipyard is historically tied with the Solidarity Movement from the 80's of 20th century. At the present time you can find several cultural initiatives there, such as Institute of Art Wyspa and a group of young off-theaters. In five years the new center of the city will be established with the most important building of the European Center of Solidarity - a place where culture combines with history, the present with the future. The impact of the culture is used not only to develop tourist industry, but mainly to attract people to settle down in Gdansk and to improve the quality of citizens' life.