PROJECTS
THEATER WORKSHOPS
Acting workshops created by Piotr Filonowicz in 2000 and from which many of the later projects of the Contemporary Art Foundation evolved, such as Voice Spinning Mill or Free Improvisation. These are classes not only for those who want to become actors. The main goal is to work on freedom of expression and creativity – using them both in a performative situation and in everyday life. Acting in this perspective is a way of realizing that a man as a social being plays many roles. Being aware of this, rather than feeling limited, can add lightness to our daily activities. By being attentive and open-minded, we can play with different modes of action in life and on stage.
VOICE SPINNING MILL
It is a series of workshops devoted to the broadly understood vocal expression and its creative use in speech and singing. The program focuses on the basic work on the voice emission, its opening, strengthening and integration with the body, as well as enriching the palette of its sound through various musical forms and emotional freedom. The teaching methods do not require musical education to encourage singing by "non-professionals". The overarching values are pleasure, authenticity and the social aspect. For years, educators have been taking part in ethnomusicological expeditions to learn traditional vocal techniques from around the world, which are then passed on to workshop participants. On the one hand, to develop a voice, on the other – to promote multiculturalism.
FREE IMPROVISATION
It's doing in open mode. State of full perception, perception of a child. Being in an unfamiliar room where every event comes first and every new item is the only one. It is an attempt to allow yourself to act freely – not tainted by prejudices and conventions, releasing freshness and uncompromisingness. Free improvisation is a technique that has been developing since 2005. Basic exercises were created at the Tree Theater. Then, since 2008, the Night Line group, during intensive rehearsals (4-5 times a week), for 4 years researched this technique and worked on its improvement. Since 2014, Piotr Filonowicz regularly conducts free improvisation workshops and looks for new ways to use it.
DESTRUCTION FACTORY
The group was created by Piotr Filonowicz and Paweł Olejnik in 2012 on the basis of the technique of free improvisation. Its activities are focused on the improvised destruction / transformation of artistic installations. The duo creates their own installations, and also collaborates with other artists who build a space for improvisation or share a work of art for transformation. The group was founded on the belief that every act of destruction is also an act of creation. During improvisation, it gives things a new shape, shows that objects do not have to remain in their original functions and meanings. Destruction Factory also cooperates with video artists. The result is a video art series created by Paweł Głogowski.
BOYS PERFORMATIVE GROUP
A group of men who were uncomfortable in the rigid corset of socio-cultural roles and stereotypes related to masculinity. From December 2019, they meet weekly in an empathetic, democratic circle. They take up topics that are important to them, such as relationships, emotions, and sexuality. Over time, it has become apparent that there is a great need to create new patterns of masculinity. Inclusive, feminist, attentive masculinity, open to experiencing and expressing emotions. The group explores the idea of tender masculinity and conducts a series of activities in order to show other men that masculinity can be experienced differently than the culture requires, that everyone can experience their masculinity in their own way.
INCLUSION THROUGH ACTION
"In 2020, the Foundation for Contemporary Art initiated the project 'Inclusion through Action,' which was funded under the European Union's Erasmus+ program. Its primary objective is to enhance the competencies of educators collaborating with the foundation in working with migrants and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it aims to introduce new methods related to the foundation's existing educational and artistic activities, such as performance, improvisation, and body and voice work. As a result, FSW has established partnerships with organizations like Dansverkstæðið, a space for the development of performative arts in Iceland, and the Portuguese association Vo’Arte, dedicated to inclusive art and intercultural dialogue. FSW educators have gained knowledge in new vocal techniques, such as Swedish kulning and Sardinian canto a tenore, and have further developed their improvisational and movement skills in the context of involving marginalized groups in creative activities. The project was funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ program."
ACTION-CREATION-INCLUSION
This is another project following 'Inclusion through Action' under the European Union's Erasmus+ program, serving as its continuation. The ongoing objective is to enhance the competencies of the Foundation for Contemporary Art's educators in their respective specializations, such as voice work, movement, and performance, as well as to increase the accessibility and adaptation of workshops to the needs of individuals at risk of social exclusion. Educators and artists affiliated with the foundation participate in training in contemporary dance according to Olga Roriz's method, as well as in Portuguese initiative Dançando com a Diferença, flamenco vocal technique, and Qigong movement meditation practices. Furthermore, the development of the organization and international partnerships has become significant. The FSW team has collaborated to exchange best practices with cultural institutions such as USF Verftet in Norway, Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, and Auditorio de Tenerife in Spain. The project is funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ program."