The first edition of the “City and Culture” Conference was held in Wrocław from 20th until 22nd of September 2017. The event was a result of cooperation between the Wrocław 2016 Office, Institute of Sociology at the University of Wroclaw, Municipality of Wrocław and Polish Sociological Association (Section of Urban Sociology and Wroclaw branch).
During the three days, we delivered twenty-two lectures by representatives of academic circles; three open debates on the multidimensionality of urban culture, its impact on urban development and the creation of cultural policies, as well as on the “ECoC effect” and methodology of research on contemporary culture; six workshops addressed to cultural staff, thematically focused mainly on the urban environment and the sector’s shaping of the city (also in the context of infrastructure or cooperation with habitants); a series of study visits, during which we presented the most important initiatives and organizations active in the field of culture in Wrocław and looked at the processes of revitalization or gentrification taking place in Wrocław (case study of two housing estates: Nadodrza and Przedmieście Oławskiego); a series of guided tours along the trails of two programs we implemented together with the residents: “Microgrants” and “Neighbouring”. As part of the artistic programme, we presented a multimedia installation by Joanna Rajkowska (thus referring to Trafostacja – building which the artist turned into a scaffolding for a “living sculpture” of plants back in 2016), an exhibition presenting the effects of residencies implemented as part of AIR Wro, as well as a discussion and promotion of a zin Ewa Głowacka – Wroclaw-based designer and activist.
