FestivALT stands as a pioneering Jewish-led multidisciplinary cultural organization, employing the nuanced tools of critically-engaged contemporary art, performance, and activism to delve into the intricate tapestry of Jewish Poland today.
Born in the intellectual crucible of Krakow in 2017, FestivALT emerged from a recognition of the pressing need for profound and multifaceted explorations and representations of Jewish culture in the modern Polish landscape. At its core, FestivALT serves as a vibrant platform, championing civic engagement and fostering critical inquiry. Its mission? To embolden, endorse, and advocate for a society that is not just inclusive, but democratic at its very core.
Our core activities:
Advocacy and Activism: FestivALT strives to elevate and normalize the representation of Jewish voices negotiating the intricate terrain of Jewish culture, especially within publicly-funded institutions such as festivals, museums, and cultural spaces. A poignant example of our impact resonates in our collaboration with Krakow’s Ethnographic Museum. Historically bereft of Jewish or minority representation, marred only by remnants of antisemitic artifacts, the museum underwent transformation under our influence. Several of these objects have been removed or re-contextualized, and we continue to be in dialogue about the future of Jewish and minority representation in the museum.
Jewish Heritage and Memory: FestivALT confronts the unsettling phenomena of neglect, appropriation, and commodification of Jewish material heritage and memory. Take our groundbreaking Lucky Jew project, a commentary on the controversial Polish tradition of selling images of Jews with coins for luck. This initiative forced the City of Krakow to confront this issue head-on. In partnership, we have reshaped the narrative around these objects in the public sphere, with a steadfast goal of their eventual eradication. Our triumph in June 2021, outlined in detail below under the “unique positioning” section, exemplifies our dedication to this cause.
Contemporary Jewish Art: FestivALT assumes the role of a discerning arbiter within Poland’s experimental Jewish art scene. Over half of our projects are bespoke commissions and premieres, designed to offer a perennial platform for artistic and activist expression. Through these initiatives, we ignite and bolster projects that stimulate civic engagement, nurture critical thinking, champion activism, and, crucially, provide a platform for shaping the future trajectory of our democratic societies.
Support us
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the support you provide to our organization. The events we organize are free of charge, and our work is made possible through the generosity of our donors, grants, and people of goodwill like you.
If you have a moment, we invite you to consider financially supporting our initiatives. Your contributions help us maintain the high quality of our events and enable us to reach a larger number of individuals who are in need of support.
If you value our project and would like to help, there are several ways you can contribute financially:
- Bank Transfer: You can make a donation to our bank account: FestivALT Association, IBAN: PL80 1140 1081 0000 4466 3000 1001, SWIFT: BREXPLPWXXX, Title: Donation to core activity
- Through paypal: festivaltpaypal@gmail.com
- Grants and Sponsorships: If you have information about available grants or sponsorships that could support us, please share that knowledge with us. Every tip can be invaluable.
- Volunteering: If you cannot support us financially, you can always join us as a volunteer. Your help in organizing and promoting events is invaluable.
Your generosity makes our mission a reality, helping us create positive changes in the community. We are grateful for every donation, without which our work would not be possible.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support and dedication to our mission. We look to the future with hope, believing that together we can make the world a better place.
Contact
Stowarzyszenie FestivALT
Józefińska 9/1
30-529 Kraków
Poland
info@festivalt.com
+48 507 609 229
