Why Toruń?

Why Toruń? To the people of Toruń the answer to his question seems quite obvious. Toruń is a city that literally lives and breathes culture and art. Quite frankly, we cannot imagine different Toruń.

One of its kind, Toruń ranks among Poland’s most beautiful cities whose incredibly rich cultural heritage harmoniously blends with the fascinating dynamic present. Its historic Old Town and modern galleries, music from the past and new musical trends, world cinema classics and pieces made by promising young filmmakers, small artistic events and large-scale international festivals, traditional painting and multimedia shows, closed presentations and grand scale open-air events, traditional  and alternative theatre productions, intellectual reflection and emotions -  all that makes Toruń a town of opportunities, inspiring artistic explorations and exciting encounters with art. It would be well worth your while to come and see for yourself whether it is true or not.

Toruń is also a very important academic centre. Many young people from all corners of Poland who are talented and passionate about artistic creation study at phthe prestigious Nicolaus Copernicus University Faculty of Fine Arts. The young artists learn secrets of painting, multimedia arts, graphic arts, education in art, graphic design, drawing, sculpture, history of modern, medieval and contemporary art, restoration and preservation of historical works of art and museology. Their presence in Toruń contributes to its unique atmosphere and openness to creative experimentation. It is mostly they who successfully animate the cultural life of Toruń, simultaneously influencing the image of the city.

Quantity is said not to be the same as quality but the multitude of top level  artistic events organized in Toruń is quite impressive: ca 1,500 events every year, including many big international festivals, several dozen of exhibitions, concerts, thousands of members of the local community involved in their organization, dozens of NGOs and businesses regularly supporting cultural events – all that for the benefit of the town and the region.

We are at home in Europe. Toruń cooperates with European partner cities, strengthening the mutual bonds of friendship through economic and cultural contacts. The city was awarded with the “European Council Flag of Honour”, soon followed by the “European Council Plaque of Honour”, in recognition of its active involvement in international cooperation and its contribution to the promotion of the idea of European integration. Both prestigious distinctions recognized Toruń as a valuable European partner. The Town of Nicholas Copernicus is a member of the New Hanseatic League (Our city is the Polish coordinator in the organization). Toruń actively participates in the WHO Healthy Cities programme and in the works of the World Heritage Cities Organisation.

The nomination for a 2016 European Capital of Culture we are seeking will certainly be the coping stone of our endeavours and achievements.

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