Magic Carpets residency platform embarks on third year with “Big City Life” theme

Entering its third year, the renowned Magic Carpets artist residency program, hosted by the Wrocław Institute of Culture, is set to delve into the vibrant tapestry of urban existence with its upcoming theme, “Big City Life.” This eagerly anticipated season promises a creative exploration of the fast-paced rhythm, diverse encounters, and unique narratives that define life in bustling metropolises.

The chosen theme aims to capture the essence of urban living, encompassing everything from the exhilarating hustle and bustle to moments of solitude, from local folklore to the transient nature of city friendships. Artists participating in the monthly residencies will draw inspiration from the multifaceted experiences of urban dwellers, weaving their observations into captivating works of art.

Paulina Brelińska-Garsztka, the program curator, shares her excitement, stating, “Through immersive experiences in Wrocław’s streets, landmarks, and communities, our artists will uncover the essence of ‘Big City Life’ and engage with the city as both a canvas and a collaborator.”

The residency program’s unique approach emphasizes community engagement, with artists collaborating closely with Wrocław residents to co-create their projects. This collaborative ethos reflects the broader mission of the European Magic Carpets platform, which seeks to foster active participation in the arts within local communities.

The upcoming season will feature an eclectic mix of artistic endeavors, ranging from large-scale textile installations to experimental documentary films. Swedish visual artist Oscar Andersson will kick off the season with a project exploring local legends and mythical creatures, culminating in a presentation at the Backyard Festival in June.

Later in the summer, Wrocław-based artists Marcin Dominiak and Maciej Kowalczyk will delve into the revival of the classic card game, bridge, documenting its resurgence within the urban landscape. Their collaborative efforts will result in an experimental documentary film, showcasing the intersection of art, tradition, and community.

With a diverse array of projects on the horizon, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a summer filled with enriching cultural experiences. All events will be free of charge, with registration details to be announced soon. For more information and updates on the upcoming events, stay tuned to the Wrocław Institute of Culture’s website and social media channels.

As the Magic Carpets project enters its next chapter, supported by the Creative Europe program of the European Union, it continues to exemplify the power of art in fostering dialogue, connection, and creativity across borders and communities. Led by Kaunas Biennial (Litwa/Lithuania) consists of: Diyalog Derneği (Istanbul / Turcja), Folkestone Fringe (Folkestone / UK), IDEIAS EMERGENTES – Produção Cultural, CRL (Porto (Guimarães) / Portugalia), Jam Factory Art Centre (Lviv / Ukraina), Lab852 d.o.o. za promidžbu (Zagreb / Chorwacja), Latitudo Srl (Rome / Włochy), META Cultural Foundation (Bucharest (Slon) / Rumunia), New Theatre Institute of Latvia (Riga / Łotwa), Novo Kulturno Naselje (Novi Sad / Serbia), OPENART, Örebro Kommun (Örebro / Szwecja), Openspace.Innsbruck (Innsbruck / Austria), SA Tartu 2024 (Tartu / Estonia), Tbilisi International Photo Festival (Tbilisi / Gruzja), Trempo (Nantes / Francja), Wrocławski Instytut Kultury (Wrocław/ Polska).