How you look at it! There are followers of the theory that consciousness shapes existence. Others claim the opposite. It would seem that both factions should be interested in participating in culture, or at least in making use of its offerings. I have in mind the press, books, museums, galleries, theatres, philharmonic halls, and so on.
In a certain sense, television provides us with access to all of this. And it is the simplest, perhaps the least expensive means of giving the masses access to culture. However, like every mass medium, it has certain drawbacks. There are so-called “cinema films” that lose a great deal when broadcast on television, for example Dances with Wolves. Theatre, even when featuring an excellent cast, is separated from the viewer by the impervious glass screen. A concert, even one recorded “live,” does not convey the atmosphere of the performers’ and audience’s genuine experience. And the possibility of eating dinner or going to the bathroom during an artistic event on television removes the atmosphere of the “sacred” that exists during direct contact. .
You may ask what all these lists are for. Well, in reference to the title, I want to say that culture should be dear to all of us. For human activity supported by sensitivity is capable of achieving unimaginable things. It leaves behind, for example, paintings in rocky caves or pyramids. This need exists in every one of us, I think even in those who draw on fresh plaster. They probably believe, like prehistoric humans, that leaving a mark is a kind of magical spell. And now to the point—if culture were more important to everyone, there would be no “plaster artists,” or there would be very few. Their creative expression would have a chance to find a more worthy outlet. Some of us are surprised that young people who play very aggressive music are supported. But why not? This form of expression is probably better than vile behaviour on the streets. And the fact that it is not always music of the highest calibre is another matter. These people sometimes have no musical training at all.
And here I come to the heart of the matter. Everything depends on us. If there are people to whom culture is dear and for whom money is not the most important thing, the chance of a healthy society may be considerable. Let me mention, as an example, events in our town: on 30 April this year, the Review of Amateur Theatre Groups “Prezenta-cje ’92” was a true celebration of theatre. Seven children’s groups—the Puppet Theatre from the Social School in Lwówek, and theatre groups from Kruszyn, Iwiny, Wykroty, Zebrzydowa, Leszno Górne and Sulików—were applauded by an audience filled with the young actors’ peers. The audience was smaller for the cabaret exercises performed by class I a of II LO in B-cu. I leave you to consider an analysis of the list of school groups. Yet everything depends on people’s goodwill, and less on finances, which are an equal problem for all schools. Admission to the event was free, but the time was not very convenient for somewhat older viewers, as it was after lessons...
On 3 May this year, the town’s residents had the opportunity, over ten hours, to get to know nearly all the groups operating in the town. In order to do at least this much justice to these groups, I will list them one by one: the “Bolusie” Street Band, karate practitioners from the military unit, “Minilista Przebojów” from Primary School No. 2, the military orchestra, “Muszelki” and the Shanty Song Ensemble from Primary School No. 8, the “Topaz” ZTT from MDK, the dance-and-rhythm group “Agat” from BOK, students of PSM, the “Elbando” dance-and-rhythm group from BOK, “Małe Echo’ Nastolatki i Calineczki” from Primary School No. 6, “Szanty-smenci” from BOK, the BFFiA “Polfa” brass band, BOK ensembles “De Facto” and “Blues Beer,” “Weco” from ZSM, “Impersonal” from ZSZ, “Nocturnal Doom” from ZSG, and the extracurricular TNT. The event was free for both viewers and performers. Both groups turned up in force. I leave the commentary to the readers.
On 19 May this year, at PSM, during the visit of a representative of MKIS, there was discussion of arts education, but not only that. It became clear that culture is dear to many communities, that “Such will be the Commonwealth...” The discussions also touched on money, because there is an enormous need to complete the second building so as not to allow the earlier investment to go to waste. Nevertheless, once again, one conclusion presented itself. Everything depends on people and on how dear culture is to them.
If you expected financial reports or offers of reduced prices for cultural services, dear readers, I apologise for disappointing you. I cannot do anything of the sort. I do, however, encourage you to participate actively in culture, which does not always require substantial financial outlays and sometimes requires only overcoming our bitterness and stereotypes. In particular, I urge all those who want to enrich their own personalities and feel responsible for children and young people to consider these proposals.