Awards for people of art. Gala at "Pleciuga"

On Wednesday evening, June 18, the "Pleciuga" Puppet Theatre hosted the ceremonial gala of the Artistic Award of the City of Szczecin 2025. This is one of the most important cultural events in the city's calendar, organised for over thirty years, whose aim is to distinguish creators, animators and patrons who have a real impact on the artistic life of Szczecin.

This year's event gathered a wide group of artists, people of culture, representatives of local government and institutions supporting the cultural life of the city. The evening was opened by a performance of the "Pleciuga" Puppet Theatre, which in a light and humorous way referred to local culinary traditions. The audience heard original songs about paprykarz and szczeciński pastry, which were enthusiastically received.

During the official part, the mayor of the city, Piotr Krzystek, took the floor, emphasizing the importance of culture in building local identity:

– The Artistic Award is our way of honouring those who enrich Szczecin with their talent and commitment. We show that our city has something to be proud of – he said.

Winners 2025

In the category of "Artistic Achievement 2024", the Baltic Neopolis Orchestra was distinguished - an international chamber ensemble with an established position on the European music scene. The justification emphasized the impressive concert activity of the ensemble, with particular emphasis on the historic concert tour in Asia and educational projects combining music with ecological themes. For years, the orchestra has been operating at the interface of classics and modernity, collaborating with outstanding artists and promoting contemporary music.

– We feel that music can truly change the world – said Katarzyna Lament, Director of the Concert Office and representative of the band, while receiving the award.

Also nominated in this category were Katarzyna Zimnoch and Paweł Kleszczewski from Konik Studio – artists working in animation and visual arts, appreciated for their innovative approach to visual narrative and involvement in international artistic projects.

The award for lifetime artistic achievement went to Anna Paszkiewicz-Sawicka – a sculptor whose works have been a part of the public space of Szczecin for years. The author of, among others, the Colleoni monument, commemorative plaques and sculptural works in cemeteries, has been combining artistic work with teaching for years. For years she was associated with the Academy of Art and the Fine Arts High School in Szczecin.

"I create with people in mind who pass my sculptures every day. I would like something good to remain in them," said the emotional winner.

The nominees also included Bogdan Boguszewski – a conductor and teacher whose contribution to the development of musical life in Szczecin, including the creation of new fields of music studies, cannot be overestimated.

In the category of "Promoting culture", the TWORZĘ SIĘ Gallery, run by the Las Sztuki Foundation, was awarded. For ten years, it has been one of the most creative places for children and young people in the region. The gallery creates a space for artistic activities, exhibitions, workshops and experiments, allowing the youngest to develop their imagination and contact with contemporary art.

– Our greatest inspiration is children. They show us that art knows no boundaries – said Paulina Ratajczak, receiving the statuette.

The title of Patron of Culture 2025 was awarded to SANPROBI – a pharmaceutical company that has been supporting numerous initiatives in the field of culture, sports and health education for years. In recent years, the company has been involved in the production of theatre events, literary festivals and social projects.

– We believe that investing in culture is investing in a healthy, conscious society – emphasized the representative of the SANPROBI management board.

During the gala, Anna Garlicka was also remembered – a cultural animator, editor, and long-time collaborator with cultural institutions and artists who died this year and whose work influenced the cultural face of the city for decades.

This year's edition of the Artistic Award of the City of Szczecin was not only an opportunity to honour outstanding figures of the local art scene, but also an important reminder of the role of culture as a common, open and constructive space.

(dg)