11-16.06.2024 – “ My adopted cat and I” – presentation of photographs in cooperation with the Stukot Association www.stukot.org.pl

It is a presentation of about 20 photographs showing portraits of adopted cats with their new guardians. The aim of the exhibition is to show the mutual bond between human and cat, to present animal adoption as an important aspect of preventing animal homelessness and the deep satisfaction that comes from caring for an adopted animal.

14.06.2024, 18.00 – meeting and discussion on the publication “Boldness and Empathy” by Dariusz Gzyra and Elwira Sztetner; moderated by: Karolina Pikosz and Agnieszka Gorzaniak
The publication (in Polish and English) is devoted to the situation of non-human animals – hidden victims of modern societies. The effects of their harm are often exposed in the form of products, practices and their representation in images and words. They are treated as normal, desirable and indispensable. Despite the fact that we all come into contact with them on a daily basis, reproducing the constantly chauvinistic and violent patterns of culture and social life, animals remain unrecognised as their victims.
The book presents a series of photographs by Elwira Sztetner, entitled “Exercises in empathy.” It tells the story of the depth of exclusion of non-human animals using a seemingly innocent medium – toys. It avoids drastic images, showing the drama with brutal honesty and a kind of discretion at the same time. The possibility of using the material of this story in the form of mass-produced objects for play, testifies to the widespread and ludic nature of animal oppression.
The situation facing sentient non-human animals places high demands on anyone with ambitions to counter their exclusion. There is a lack of recognition of the importance of this topic in political circles – an oversight and disregard that is universal not only on a European but also on a global scale. Part of the publication is therefore also a collection of texts, ‘Thoughts of a bold policy,’ by Dariusz Gzyra. However, it is aimed not only at the political class, but at everyone who is part of the process of social change.
The publication was made possible thanks to the support of Sylwia Spurek, Member of the European Parliament and former Deputy Ombudsman.

15.06.2024, 11.00 – olfactory mat weaving workshop presented by Karolina Rybka from matowe.love
Fans of four-legged creatures are invited to a workshop on making olfactory mats. The class will consist of two parts – a short introductory lecture and a practical part where participants will make a colourful olfactory mat themselves. For those willing, there will also be an additional smaller toy to make, which you will find out about on site. We provide all the materials needed to make the olfactory toys.
The toys made will be donated to the Stukot Association
Registration: karolinarybka@galeriabwa.bydgoszcz.pl
The workshop is free.
The number of places is limited: 8 participants

Guest bios
Dariusz Gzyra – philosopher, publicist, social activist. Following the publication of the book “Dziękuję za świńskie oczy. Jak krzywdzimy zwierzęta” (Krytyka Polityczna Publishing House, 2018) he was proposed for the POLITYKA Passports award. Lecturer in anthropozoology at the Faculty of Artes Liberales, University of Warsaw. He is a member of the teaching staff of the interdisciplinary postgraduate course “Animal Rights” at SWPS University. Member of the Animal Affairs Committee of the Polish Ethical Society. Editor of the section ‘Animal Rights Ethics’ of the journal Zoophilologica. Polish Journal of Animal Studies”. Creator of the ‘Important not important’ podcast. Deals with the relationship between humans and other animals in the light of contemporary ethical and political concepts, and studies veganism.
Elwira Sztetner – doctor of arts, professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, visual artist and eco-feminist activist. Her work critically examines the anthropocentric model of the world. She questions the moral system that justifies the breeding and killing of animals. Vegan. Graduate of the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Since 2010, she has been working at her home department, where she currently leads the Artistic Textile Studio.

Concept and coordination of the festival: Karolina Pikosz and Agnieszka Gorzaniak
11-16.06.2024 20 Gdańska St.