On December 6, at the St. John’s Centre in Gdańsk, we had the pleasure of hosting participants of a national conference on the intercultural integration of migrants through culture. This inspiring event brought together representatives from the cultural sector, social organizations, public administration, and people with migration experience.
The conference opened with a spectacular folk mask performance by Marta Zwarycz from the BoFolk Foundation, demonstrating how traditions and rituals can bridge diverse cultures.
During the meeting, we also heard presentations on the assumptions of the national migration strategy and the Pomeranian equivalent, developed as part of the EU-BELONG project: An Intercultural Approach to Migrant Integration in European Regions.
In the panel “Integration through Culture: Migrants’ Perspectives”, participants shared their experiences and reflections: Dasha Balabai, Aura Marina Leguizmón, Eugen Baryshnikau, and Marta Zwarycz.
The second part of the conference began with a presentation by representatives of Reagujemy – Open Network of Cultural Practitioners, who discussed the agency and empowerment of people with migration experience.
The good practices session showcased inspiring integration projects. Presenters included:
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Magdalena “Bąbel” Adamowska from the Artformacja22 Foundation
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Piotr Martin from the Arbuz Association
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Tomasz Lipski from the Baltic Sea Cultural Centre in Gdańsk
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Dr. Kamila Kowalska from the Migration Observatory, operating at the University of Gdańsk’s Centre for Sustainable Development
The session concluded with a debate moderated by Dr. Rafał Raczyński (Migration Observatory / Emigration Museum in Gdynia), focusing on co-creating cultural offerings with migrants and discussing the challenges and role of culture in integration.
The conference ended with a sentimental journey through diverse sounds, performed by exceptionally talented musicians: Viktoria Koshuba, Krystyna Gedzik, Adam Golicki, and Piotr Szajrych.
We invite you to explore their work here: Spotify link
We thank all speakers, participants, and partners for their dedication and active participation. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s edition!
Conference Materials Attached:
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Strategic Plan for Intercultural Integration of Migrants in the Pomeranian Voivodeship and the document Migration Situation in the Pomeranian Voivodeship: Findings and Recommendations on Migrant Integration
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Open and Dynamic Catalogue of Intercultural Practices – Reagujemy Network and its presentation
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Presentation on the assumptions of Poland’s Migration Strategy 2025–2030 – Alicja Kępka, Ministry of Interior and Administration
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Presentation by Dr. Kamila Kowalska, Migration Observatory, UG – Migration Museums in the EU: Mobility, Multiculturalism, Social Inclusion
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Presentation on the activities of Artformacja22 Foundation – Magdalena Bąbel Adamowska
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Presentation on the activities of the Baltic Sea Cultural Centre in Gdańsk – Tomasz Lipski
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Presentation on Belarusian cultural activities – Eugen Baryshnikau
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Presentation on the regional dimension of migration policy – Agnieszka Zabłocka, Office of the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship
