Polish city grieves loss of mayor who championed culture
PR dla Zagranicy
Grzegorz Siwicki
15.01.2019 16:20
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Polish city grieves loss of mayor who championed culture
The death of Gdańsk Mayor Paweł Adamowicz comes as a great loss to the northern Polish city's cultural community.
Candles are lit and a "thank you" note is placed in tribute to Paweł Adamowicz outside Gdańsk City Hall on Tuesday. Photo: PAP/Adam Warżawa
In Adamowicz’s own words, "culture is exceptionally important as it decides our awareness and identity."
During the more than 20 years he was in office, culture in Gdańsk flourished and new institutions were established that achieved important international status.
He was behind initiatives in his city such as the European Solidarity Centre and the Shakespeare Theatre, and he also helped launch projects such as the European Poet of Freedom Award and the Actus Humanus and Solidarity of Arts music festivals.
“He brought Gdańsk into the top flight of cities which are not only symbols of difficult history but also of hope; dynamic and open cities,” says Basil Kerski, director of the Gdańsk-based European Solidarity Centre.
Adamowicz, 53, was attacked and stabbed several times by a 27-year-old knife-wielding man during a high-profile annual charity event on Sunday evening. He died the next day in hospital from severe wounds despite efforts by doctors to save him.