How can we use contemporary art to spark conversations and envision new paths for the future?
Artystyczna Podróż Hestii National Grant Program is back for its second edition, inviting applications from October 1 to November 30, 2024. This year’s theme, “Time to Open Up” (Czas otwarcia), reflects the program’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. With a total grant pool of 500,000 PLN, the initiative encourages cultural institutions and artists to propose exhibitions addressing social and environmental issues.
These projects, planned for March 2025 to June 2026, aim to foster greater public awareness, stimulate community engagement, and use the transformative power of art to explore shared responsibilities in today’s world. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed proposals that include exhibition descriptions, timelines, and alignment with the program’s objectives. Each project should address themes of inclusivity and global awareness while considering ways to engage local communities, especially those traditionally underrepresented in the cultural landscape. Proposed initiatives should create accessible and meaningful interactions with art, particularly for audiences with limited access due to social inequalities or disabilities. By supporting both individual and group exhibitions, the program seeks to spark dialogue about the changing social and environmental landscape while envisioning innovative paths for the future.
From Vision to Reality: Highlights of the First Edition
The inaugural edition of the Artystyczna Podróż Hestii National Grant Program, held in 2024, showcased the transformative potential of art in addressing societal needs. Titled “Art Matters” (Sztuka ma znaczenie), the program provided funding for exhibitions, covering production costs, artist fees, and educational and promotional activities. Among the standout projects were “Chcemy całego życia. Feminizm w sztuce polskiej”, organized by the Państwowa Galeria Sztuki in Sopot, which explored the evolving role of feminism in Polish art, and “Powtarzać czas początku”, hosted by Lisowski Gallery in Warsaw. This groundbreaking exhibition, Powtarzać czas początku, presented at Lisowski Gallery, showcases the works of artist Bartek Kociemba while drawing inspiration from Anna Zdrożyńska’s ethnographic research. The project reinterprets Polish folk traditions to highlight often-overlooked queer narratives, shaped by the collaboration between Kociemba and curator Cezary Lisowski.
Another notable project was “Biblioteka Pszczół”, organized by Rodríguez Foundation Gallery in Poznań, where artist Michał Smandek used a spatial installation to shift the focus from individualism to community. Inspired by the collective behavior of bees, the exhibition invited participants to reflect on the importance of fostering a sense of shared responsibility in today’s world.
Maria Rosa, President of the Hestia Foundation, praised the first edition for uniting artistic communities and the public, sparking meaningful conversations, and demonstrating art’s capacity to illuminate contemporary challenges such as social inequality and climate change. The success of these projects has motivated the organizers to expand and refine the program, ensuring its lasting impact on Poland’s cultural landscape.
Looking Ahead: From Insight to Action
The 2024-2025 program introduces several key changes designed to enhance flexibility, accessibility, and inclusivity. Exhibition start dates now range from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, offering participants greater flexibility in planning their projects. The application process has also been streamlined into a unified two-month period, running from October 1 to November 30, 2024. One of the updates is the inclusion of accessibility improvements in grant budgets. Funds can now be allocated to features such as wheelchair ramps and other accessibility enhancements, aligning with the program’s dedication to inclusivity. These changes reflect a broader vision of ensuring that art reaches diverse audiences, including those facing participation barriers. By emphasizing accessibility, Artystyczna Podróż Hestii program not only broadens the reach of supported exhibitions but also underscores its commitment to using art as a tool for breaking down societal barriers.
Maria Rosa, President of the Hestia Foundation, highlighted the importance of these feedback-driven updates, noting that they are integral to the program’s mission of fostering cultural growth in Poland. She expressed her belief that art has the power to initiate meaningful social dialogue, creating connections that transcend traditional boundaries. The foundation aims to build on the momentum of the first edition, using art as a platform for engaging with contemporary issues and promoting inclusivity on a national scale, as the president stated.
Empowering Change Through Art
The goal of the Artystyczna Podróż Hestii grant program is thus to empower cultural institutions and artists to create exhibitions that resonate with contemporary audiences and global issues. By addressing pressing themes such as climate change, social inequality, and the role of communities in shaping the future, the program fosters a deeper understanding of global challenges through the lens of artistic expression. For instance, the first edition awarded Weronika Gęsicka’s work “Encyklopedia,” hosted by Galeria Re: medium in Łódź. This project delved into the phenomenon of intentionally false entries in encyclopedias, challenging audiences to question the origins of knowledge and the impact of misinformation, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence. Another project was Barbara Gryka’s “Dirty Blood, De-Risking,” presented by Galeria Labirynt in Lublin. This exhibition explored the socio-cultural implications of oil as a pivotal resource, transitioning from its role as a technological boon to a symbol of environmental degradation. Last but not least, Marta Bogdańska’s “Vive la Résistance! Współbycie,” showcased at Instytut Fotografii Fort, investigated the interspecies relationship between humans and animals. By creating visual archives where animals take center stage, Bogdańska flipped the traditional human-centric narrative to encourage dialogue about coexistence and the need for a deeper connection with nature.
Each of these projects represents a step toward building a more inclusive and informed society, using art as both a mirror to reflect contemporary issues and a catalyst for meaningful change. The Hestia Foundation’s continued dedication to fostering connections between art and society is evident in its support for ambitious initiatives that combine artistic excellence with a commitment to inclusivity and innovation.
Join the Movement: Apply Now
As the program evolves, it continues to reaffirm the power of art as a medium for dialogue, connection, and change. The second edition of Artystyczna Podróż Hestii is a call to action for artists and cultural institutions to come together, embrace inclusivity, and explore the limitless possibilities of artistic expression. With its focus on accessibility, innovation, and community engagement, the initiative might leave a lasting impact on Poland’s cultural landscape.
Applications for the second edition of Artystyczna Podróż Hestii are open until November 30, 2024. Eligible applicants include cultural institutions and artists with compelling ideas for exhibitions that engage audiences and address critical social issues. To apply, visit https://programdotacyjny.artystycznapodrozhestii.pl/ and complete the submission process. Detailed guidelines and application requirements are available on the program’s official website.
The article was created in the partnership with Artystyczna Podróż Hestii
