20.-29.4.12
Katowice, Poland
Streetart, urban development
Entering Katowice
Mariacka street
Katowice city in South Poland, has
been both famous and infamous because of its industry. The mining
industry has made the region desireable for the surrounding countries
through history. But the same industry has given the city, or rather
conglomeration of cities a bad reputation in our times. Tourists
coming to this part of Poland rather go to Krakow, and to see the
WWII concentration camps nearby.
Workers' suburb
Mariacka street and infotent for Katowice2016
This is not the case anymore. Katowice
city has taken large steps to become a more attractive and livable
city. One of these steps have been to apply for European Capital of
Culture in 2016. This did not succeed, but instead they head for
being City of Youth in 2015. The organisation for adminstration this
has a strong focus on culture to achieve this. Katowice presents
itself as The City of Gardens. Part of this image is the focus on
public space, and this is when it really gets interesting.
Green canal in the suburbs
The most visible result of Katowice's
new image is the transformation of busy streets into pedestrian
areas. Where the inhabitants had to stay on the sidewalks before, now
they can gather, mingle, enjoy and relax in the beautiful Mariacka
street and surrounding pedestrian streets. The parks around in town
are taken well care of as green lungs. The city has become a
liveable, charming, beautiful city worth visiting. Now its
interesting mix of Jugend-style, Modernism, and Communist style
buildings are appreciated.
The Spodek sports stadium and the Katyn memorial
The brick house area
The top of the cake is the Katowice
Street Art Festival. 2012 is the second year this is arranged. And
already now is it impressing how well organized it is, how fantastic
art is produced, and how well it fits to the city. In the area around
Mariacka street, but also in the suburbs, there is art by local
artist like Mona Tusz and Raspazjan, but also like Polish stars like
Olek, M-city and Swanski. And the international big names have been
here too, like Ludo, Mark Jenkins, Roa, Escif, Hyuro, Moneyless,
Tellas and Ganzeer.
Mural by Escif
Katowice has become my new favourite
city in the very charming country of Poland. Not only because its
streetart, but also because of its ambience, its beauty, and its
focusing on art.
