Bolesławiec Ceramics Still Await Entry, While Chałupki Are Already Celebrating. Is the City Losing Out Due to Procedural Delays?

On July 30, 2026, the pottery and figurative ceramics of the Chałupki centre were entered on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In Bolesławiec, more than three years ago, several dozen custodians signed an application to enter Bolesławiec ceramics on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This was the first step toward allowing ceramics from Bolesławiec to be entered on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“The procedures related to entering Bolesławiec ceramics on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage have been extended,” Agnieszka Gergont said in August 2026. “The coordinator of the entire proceedings is the Museum of Ceramics in Bolesławiec. This results from the need to align the entry with the process of bringing Bolesławiec ceramics under the protection system for geographical indications,” added the press spokesperson for Bolesławiec City Hall.

What is the protection of geographical indications?

Since December 2025, the registration and protection of geographical indications for craft and industrial products has been possible exclusively at the EU level. Geographical indications confirm that a product’s unique characteristics – including its quality, reputation or specific method of production – are a direct result of its geographical origin. They serve as a kind of “certificate of authenticity.”

“Covering Bolesławiec ceramics with both forms of intangible cultural heritage protection will maximise the promotional and marketing benefits of these initiatives, on the one hand strengthening the brand’s position on domestic and international markets and supporting local producers, and on the other increasing the prestige and recognition of the city and region,” adds Agnieszka Gergont.

What could we gain by entering the ceramics on the list?

There are many benefits. First and foremost, it would increase recognition and prestige. This, in turn, could lead to greater interest from tourists and collectors. Local pride in the product would undoubtedly grow, although here it would be necessary to consider whether piecework, under which ceramics workers work, is an appropriate way of producing prestigious vessels.

The entry opens the way to national grant programmes, cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and institutions such as the National Heritage Board of Poland**.** This could accelerate promotional, workshop and educational activities.

The national entry complements membership in a European route (since 2020), raising the city’s status as a ceramics centre on the European map.

What challenges will we face after the entry on the list?

In addition to the risk of commercialisation and even greater exploitation of workers in the pursuit of profit, we may fail to achieve coordinated action among public institutions, local government, the craft community and education. Unfortunately, without genuine cooperation, the entry remains a declaration rather than a protection mechanism. And judging by what ceramic workshop owners say, the Ceramic Brotherhood has brotherhood only in its name ... (wording to be clarified).

It also has no formalised activity, which in turn raises concerns – who will fulfil the obligation to document and continually cultivate the tradition? An entry is not self-sustaining – it requires systematic documentation of practices, passing skills on to subsequent generations and demonstrating that the tradition is genuinely alive, rather than merely museum-based. It is a permanent institutional and social commitment.

There are more than 30 ceramic companies operating in the region, varying in character – from small manufactories to large enterprises. Agreeing on a common definition of “authentic” heritage and standards may create tensions between the artistic-tourism community and the industrial sector.

Are we losing out because of the procedural delay?

Yes, the city is genuinely losing out because of the procedural delay. Entry on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage would bring greater recognition, prestige and interest from tourists and collectors, as well as opening the way to national grant programmes and cooperation with cultural institutions.

Bolesławiec has been awaiting the conclusion of the matter since 2023. The delay also means lost image and promotional benefits, as the ceramics cannot fully realise their potential.