For the fourth time, the Open Eyes Art Festival will precede the Open Eyes Economy Summit congress (19th–20th Nov.), enriching it with an artistic reflection on contemporary social and economic challenges. Since 2021, it has been organised by the Foundation for Economy and Public Administration, the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre (NCK) and the GAP Artistic Agency.

The 23 events to be held at 14 venues this year will bring together various forms of artistic expression – from visual arts, music, theatre to performance and interdisciplinary activities. As always, the festival will begin with the Open Art exhibition (6th–21st Nov.), this time in the former hospital building at Wesoła Street, where more than 20 artists will present projects in the fields of art, conservation or design exploring how the place influences the creation of a space of community and safety (more on page 28). The OEAF programme traditionally includes presentations of the Space for Art project (12th Nov.–15th Dec.). This year they are dedicated to the artistic output of Krystyna Zachwatowicz-Wajda, an outstanding set and costume designer. Her exhibition Constellations (to be seen in three parts: at NCK, the Academy of Fine Arts and the Krakow University of Economics) tells the story of the artist's collaboration with directors, authors and actors by capturing the emotions and energy that are involved in the creation of performances. One of the musical highlights of this year’s OEAF will be the Musical Fusion of Folklore concert (19th Nov.), which will showcase the richness of Polish folk music in modern arrangements. At ICE Kraków, we will see and hear: Kapela ze Wsi Warszawa, which combines Polish folklore with modern electronic sounds, Kapela Maliszów, which introduces the music of the Carpathians in unique contemporary arrangements, and Hirundo Maris – Arianna Savall’s group which combines early music with modern compositions inspired by European tradition. The programme will also include Cricoteka’s ongoing Cloakroom project (until 1st Dec.), which consists of installations exploring the motifs of power, oppression and their impact on the individual and society. Open Eyes Art Festival 2024 will bring diverse forms of art together, creating a space for reflection and the exchange of creative ideas. Two weeks full of art, music, performance and inspiring discussions are ahead of us.