Krakow’s underground pulse

Sweet yet sour - like a bag of pick and mix. Krakers - Krakow’s gallery weekend is a three-day event that never ceases to surprise. Between 7th and 9th June 2013 a selection of galleries and project spaces in the city opened their doors to an intrigued public, creating a special programme of exhibitions, screenings and talks.

This year’s event was the second edition of the weekend organised to entice international collectors to the city for an early summer weekend. Visitors were invited to intriguing spaces, ranging from private apartments to the city’s cellars. Starting at the Jan Matejko Square one could catch a glimpse of this year’s degree show at the Academy of Fine Art as well as an exhibition of prints at Galeria Łącznik. On Batorego Street Pikaso’s solo-exhibition was held at Art Agenda Nova, whereas on the doorstep of the Wawel Castle TheGreenroom presented a collaborative show of artists from the UK and Poland. Each event brought with it an air of freshness and placed Krakow’s art scene on the global map.

The concept of a gallery weekend began in Berlin back in 2005 and has been spreading to other cities ever since. Marcin Gołębiewski – the driving force behind the Krakow gallery weekend - acknowledges that the effects of Krakers are perhaps not yet fully visible, but insists that it is an essential event for Krakow’s gallery owners and a step in the city’s artistic development. It presents Krakow as a city open to cultural dialogue and artistic exchange. Hence, if you missed Krakers this time, you may be tempted to follow some of its trails.