Anna Michalak-Pawłowska

Anna Michalak-Pawłowska- founder of a Center of Artistic Activities for children and youth “Dorożkarnia”, lecturer at Warsaw Theatre Academy. In 1985 she founded an amateur musical theater, "Panther". She has been implementing international projects since 1988. An author of radio and television programs, which promote creative activity of children and youth. Creator of the Festival “Children's capital”. She carries out theater workshops in local communities and conducts workshops on management of culture. A member of European Network of Cultural Centres and a member of the Supervisory Board of „Krzyżowa” Foundation for Mutual Understanding in Europe.

What was the reason for your starting the cooperation with Krzyżowa?

I have been conducting international projects for many years so it was natural that I have heard about Krzyżowa. When I led workshops near Żywiec, I saw that there is Krzyżowa in that area but it turned out that it was not the right one.

What were your beginnings in Krzyżowa?

In Krzyżowa, I had been thrown into deep water right at the beginning. It was year 1998, grand opening of the International Youth Meeting Place. In the audience, Polish Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. I was a director; apart from youth from my theatre I was also working with youth from Boleścin. They were singing songs together. They did it so well that the next day journalist wrote that it was a performance of youth from 4 countries. It was the first time that I got to know creativity of Marek Stanielewicz, who was responsible for artistic setting of the ceremony. We were looking for a symbol together- it would be a bow in the national colors tied by politicians. When everything was already prepared, it turned out that there is a lack of 2 colors in Świdnica…
So as to save the situation we bought white, red and blue flag. The next day newspaper wrote about beautiful symbol of Polish entry into the European Union- a bow composed of 3 colors.

What kind of projects do you prepare in Krzyżowa?

For several years, together with Marek Stanielewicz, we have been conducting Artistic Summer. For the question in what way does this project differ from others, there is a one answer. We have clearly defined priorities. Firstly: promotion of the people from East Europe. Secondly: connection of the participants at different skill levels. Thirdly: we are still looking for new workshops, we are constantly trying to create better and better Artistic Summer.

Plans for the future connected with Krzyżowa?

First of all, bring up successors. For Germans, Krzyżowa is a place associated with history of their country. I would like it to be a very personal place for young Poles, conjoined emotionally and artistically. After several years, Artistic Summer has more than 1000 graduates who are our ambassadors. They go into the world and tell about Krzyżowa; among others, they create Society of Krzyżowa’s Friends in Warsaw. And, of course, they are promoting students of Academies of Fine Arts from East Europe. Our association will invite them for open airs, internships and residencies. Right now, in 2011, we announced the first competition! Details on Facebook.