ART

Tenth anniversary of the PROFIL Gallery

The PROFIL Gallery of Contemporary Art in the Castle Cultural Centre in Poznań celebrates the tenth anniversary of its existence. Thanks to a number of spectacular successes the gallery has become an inseparable part of the artistic life of the city. The credit for it goes to Waldemar Idzikowski, the artistic director of the gallery. The gallery has succeeded in working out its own programming style which could be dubbed as "unity in diversity" as exhibitions of artists from the Poznań milieu are intertwined with expositions of their colleagues from other Polish centres and from abroad. Apart from well known artists such as Tadeusz Brzozowski, Jan Lebenstein, Fran- ciszek Starowieyski, Janusz Stanny and others, the gallery presents works of artists commencing their careers.

The exhibiting formula of the gallery is based on three slogans put forward by Waldemar Idzikowski; DEBUTS (creative activity of young artists), REGIONS (regional diversity connected with major artistic centres) and COME- BACKS (works of the late   artists).   This clearly defined programme guarantees an overview of fashions, trends and styles ranging from contemporary classics to avant-garde, from small-sized studio presentations to large exhibitions such as that of Wojciech Fibak "The Polish Paris of the 20th century. From Władysław Ślewiński to Jan Lebenstein".

Particularly noteworthy are interesting arrangements and perfectly well prepared catalogues accompanying particular exhibitions. In the course of its functioning the gallery has embarked upon many initiatives integrating various facets of contemporary art such as the creation of the "Profilek" cafe, a meeting place for people connected with different spheres of artistic life, or an educational programme for children "A Meeting with Imagination".

Many a time has "Welcome to Poznań" featured articles on the gallery in recognition of its achievements. At present we would like to take this opportunity and extend our best greetings to Waldemar Idzikowski as well as Wanda Gostyńska and Halina Majchrzycka, who co-operate with the gallery, wishing them dozens more years working for art's sake always in such a wonderful atmosphere as until now.

Joanna Dziubkowa