Posted on 22nd Oct
The National Civil War Centre in Newark is hosting A Polish Heart Beats Here, an exhibition celebrating the rich and diverse Polish culture within Newark and Sherwood.
Co produced with the local Polish community, it will be open from Tuesday, 29th October into the New Year.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Polish culture through main themes: remembrance, everyday life, and culture and traditions. The exhibition highlights Newark’s ties to Poland, from the Polish Armed Forces’ historical presence in local airfields, to the twin town of Sandomierz, and the Polish community that now call Newark home.
The Open Doors team, from the National Civil War Centre, met with Polish residents over four months to co-curate the exhibition. The group shared their ideas, feelings, and lived experiences, to create an exhibition that is both personal and communal.
Wiki, a participant and Polish resident, said: “It’s fantastic to celebrate Polish culture here in our area and work with Open Doors to have created an exhibition in this way. This project has allowed us to connect with our roots and share our heritage with the wider community. A Polish Heart Beats Here truly reflects the spirit and traditions of the Polish people in Newark.
“We encourage other Polish locals to visit and take pride in the exhibition and invite other residents to come and learn about our heritage and culture. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the richness of Polish traditions, from our history and customs to our everyday lives.”
The exhibition opening follows the All Souls Ceremony of Remembrance and Homage, at Newark Cemetery, for All Souls’ Day, a time for the Polish community to remember those who have passed away.
Coun Rowan Cozens, portfolio holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, shared her thoughts on the exhibition: “This exhibition is a remarkable celebration of the Polish community’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration between Open Doors and the local Polish residents has resulted in something that is both deeply personal and universally engaging. It is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community.
“We are incredibly proud to host A Polish Heart Beats Here and to provide a platform for sharing the heritage of our Polish residents. This exhibition not only honours the historical ties between Newark and Poland, but also highlights the ongoing cultural exchange that enriches our town today. I encourage everyone to visit and experience the warmth and diversity of Polish culture. It is through such initiatives that we build stronger, more inclusive communities. I look forward to visiting the exhibition and see it inspire many more collaborative projects in the future.”
The exhibition is part of Open Doors, a three-year programme of events organised by the council and funded by Arts Council England. Its aim is to increase creative opportunities for young people and under-served groups and become a focal point for culture across Newark and Sherwood.
