Poland - Katowice
Residency partner: Katowice Miasto Ogrodów – Instytucja Kultury im. Krystyny Bochenek
Duration of residency: May - June 2025 (30 days)
Financial contribution: 1.500 EUR (fixed; this includes living costs for 30 days and IPRs)
Travel costs: up to 400 EUR (one round trip; based on real costs)
Residency partner description:
Katowice Miasto Ogrodów – Instytucja Kultury im. Krystyny Bochenek is a dynamic cultural institution dedicated to enriching the artistic landscape of Katowice. Known for organizing and supporting some of the most important events and festivals (Ars Independent, OFF Festival, Tauron Nowa Muzyka), they play a central role in the city’s cultural life. Through collaboration with various initiatives, they also create opportunities for emerging artists. Located in the city center, Katowice Miasto Ogrodów offers concert halls, free-access art galleries, children’s creative programs, and a unique collection of city neons.
Accommodation, studio & facilities for creative work:
Our office has hotel rooms in which we host residents. The space also includes a shared kitchen and a shared studio (around 50 m2). There are also other social rooms and studios in the building of our institution which can be reserved. The building is not accessible to people with disabilities.
We accept and can support artists of all types and disciplines. We can provide general assistance with materials, logistics and development and we also have locksmiths, woodworkers and welders working in our building. We are highly flexible and willing to adapt to the artist’s needs and profile. Sound equipment is also available as well as, various-sized rooms and access to a large, historic enclosed garden and a historic building.
About the area and cycling culture:
Katowice and the wider Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis (Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia, or GZM) have embraced cycling as a key part of their transformation toward sustainable, eco-friendly urban living. Known for its industrial past, Katowice has been at the forefront of GZM’s green transition, offering extensive cycling infrastructure - in Katowice alone, nearly 200 km of cycling paths have been developed, including 85 km of routes that lead through green areas such as parks and forests. Katowice’s central location within GZM also positions it as a gateway to scenic routes in the nearby Silesian Beskids.
The METROrower bike-sharing system, with 7,000 bikes across 31 municipalities, is the largest in Poland and one of the largest in Europe. Although cycling infrastructure throughout Katowice and GZM has expanded in recent years, challenges remain. The infrastructure consistency varies, and some heavily trafficked roads can be intimidating for cyclists. Nonetheless, both Katowice and GZM are dedicated to enhancing cycling accessibility, viewing it as essential for reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Designated outcome:
During the residency, we aim to reach not only the residents and local officials of Katowice, but also the entire GZM Metropolis. Established only a few years ago, the GZM is a unique administrative entity situated between the city and the provincial levels, and it is still developing its identity. Efforts are underway to shape this identity, with the bicycle potentially at its heart. GZM Metropolis coordinates initiatives like bicycle highways (velostrady), the METROrower shared bike program, and unified cycling policies, all of which could contribute significantly to fostering a distinctive and cohesive metropolitan character.
We also need to reach residents who still view bicycles as an inferior mode of transportation compared to cars — seeing them as seasonal and fraught with challenges. Changing this perception is key to fostering a culture of sustainable mobility. By showcasing the benefits of cycling through the residency, we hope to demonstrate that bicycles can be a reliable, convenient, and enjoyable year-round transportation option. Engaging the community in this shift is essential for building a more sustainable and cohesive metropolitan area where cycling becomes a valued part of everyday life.
Events related to the residency:
The resident is invited to participate with their artistic intervention/performance in the following events we organize during the residency period:
- Juwenalia Śląskie, May
A lively, music-focused celebration for students from Silesian universities, combining party and concert elements. It’s one of the biggest student events in the region, creating a unique atmosphere in the city each spring. - Tauron Nowa Muzyka, June
A festival dedicated to independent electronic music, featuring elements of contemporary art. Hosted in post-industrial settings, it attracts fans from across Europe with its innovative approach and unique venue choices.
adele.newman@goethe.de
Partner
