necessary to introduce changes both in the execution method of the competition themes and its organisational structure. For the past three editions, the competition themes have created a new space for intergenerational dialogue. Participants are encouraged to produce artwork regarding contemporary images of enslavement and present their thoughts about the subject of the camp and the theme of war and enslavement. Moreover, we want the competition participants to refer in their works to the memories contained in books written by former concentration camp prisoners and to draw attention to the relevant sentences voiced by the prisoners. We want to establish this intergenerational dialogue through such activities and create a situation in which young people talk, experience, and think about such distant historical events.
One of the forms of summing up each edition of the competition is a catalogue containing the awarded, distinguished and qualified works for the exhibition. The change of the publication’s graphic layout also draws the attention of a broader group of people to these painful pages of history. Equally, however, it indicates that young people today find themselves in various situations in which they experience humiliation, pain and suffering. The most touching works that appeared during the last three editions of the competition referring to contemporary images of enslavement arouse astonishment, surprise, and sadness and horror in the recipients. It is worth drawing the attention of future generations to the need to build respect and treat people equally, regardless of the differences that exist. Consequently, in this edition, we have decided to use the words of Marian Turski, spoken during the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, as inspiration for authors of artworks. These words still resonate strongly and are therefore worth recalling.
Young people over the age of 11 are encouraged to participate in the competition and are welcome to prepare works in various techniques and formats. Participation in the current edition is free of charge, which is also a key element for us, the organisers, as it allows more people to participate. Moreover, this year’s summary of the competition combined with the opening of an exhibition of the awarded, distinguished and qualified works will take place at the Auschwitz Memorial. We are convinced that such an exhibition at the Auschwitz Memorial will give it an additional symbolic dimension. The exhibition is also the result of excellent cooperation between the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and the Kossak Family Artists Youth Culture Centre No. 1 in Tychy.
We invite you to participate in the competition and disseminate information regarding this event.
The competition rules are available at: mdk1.tychy.pl/konkursy/