PANELISTS:

Gaya Barcikowska – a graduate of Romance Philology at the Jagiellonian University and the Faculty of Drawing at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels. A long-time employee of European institutions such as the European Commission: Directorate for Translation, and the European Committee of the Regions: Department of Interinstitutional and International Relations.

Stan Barański – a visual artist, documentary photographer, traveler, and activist. A graduate of American Studies at the Jagiellonian University and the University of Warsaw. Co-founder of the Kraków Cyclical Festival and Critical Mass. Co-founder of the Bike Polo Club Kraków, organizer of the European Championships (2013).

Wojciech Kolęda – architect and co-founder of the Stare Mury project. For seven years, he was associated with the Arche Group, where he designed comprehensive revitalizations and adaptations of historic buildings, which today serve as examples of the successful combination of heritage protection and a modern investment approach. Co-founder and leader of the Stare Mury project, a platform connecting architects, investors, and specialists working in the field of revitalization.

Urszula Pieregończuk – PhD – visual artist, film director. A graduate of the Faculty of Arts at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, she creates short films, intermedia installations, and silicone sculptures covered with her own tattoos. She is an award-winner in the Samsung Art Master competitions (CSW Ujazdowski Castle) and the In Out Festival (CSW Łaźnia).

Paweł Potoroczyn – Director of the European Capital of Culture Lublin 2029. Diplomat, producer, and writer. In 1992, he began his public service as president of the Polish Information Agency Interpress. He also served as Consul for Culture at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles. Founder and first director of the Institute of Polish Culture in New York.

Barbara Sawicka – Director of the Labirynt Gallery in Lublin, a film studies graduate (UMCS), production manager (PWSFTviT), and PR specialist (WSPiA). A theatre producer with experience in Lublin, Warsaw, Opole, and Bielsko-Biała. She has produced an international theatre festival, implemented numerous interdisciplinary projects, and coordinated mass events, including air shows.

Aleksandra Sochan – costume and fashion designer, graduate of the International School of Costume and Fashion Design. She has experience working on set and in theater productions.