Meeting of the Network of Directors of Cultural Institutions | Pakość

We invite the directors of cultural institutions in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship to our next networking meeting. This is an opportunity to discuss issues with others facing similar challenges, exchange experiences, and reflect together on current needs.

Whether you’re already part of the network or just looking to join—everyone is equally welcome!

The topic of the upcoming meeting will be leadership in culture, management challenges, and the well-being of individuals in executive positions. We will examine the results of diagnostic research conducted as part of Jakub Walczyk’s fellowship project, which focuses on the needs and barriers faced by management. Together, we will discuss:

• well-being (and the lack thereof) in the day-to-day work of leaders,
• the specifics of managing various types of institutions—from small, intimate centers to large teams,
• various leadership figures and styles—from reformist approaches to continuing a mission,
• key competencies in leading a team, and practical models that support recruitment processes and modern leadership.

The meeting will combine a concise presentation of conclusions and insights with ample time for discussion and the exchange of your own perspectives and experiences from your institutions.

After the meeting, we’ll go on a study visit that includes a walk through the Kalwaria Pakoska Cultural Park and a talk about how the cultural center harnesses the potential of this place.

Presenter: Dr. Jakub Walczyk – cultural studies scholar, social researcher, and expert on the socialization of cultural institutions, cultural education, and accessibility. Deputy Director of the Gdańsk Archipelago of Culture, responsible for programming, strategic goals, and accessibility (initiator of, among other projects, the Blinking Film Club). From 2014 to 2024, he was affiliated with the ZAMEK Culture Center in Poznań (co-founder of, among others, the Center for Educational Practices, the Barrier-Free Cinema, and the Barrier-Free Forum). He co-founded the Film for Everyone Initiative and serves on working groups on accessibility at the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (MFiPR) and the Polish Film Institute (PISF). He is a graduate of the Łódź Film School (film production) and the Institute of Cultural Studies at Adam Mickiewicz University.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Katarzyna Pągowska – katarzyna.pagowska@woak.pl

About the series of meetings:

Working in a leadership role often involves facing numerous challenges: an overwhelming workload, a lack of understanding among staff, pressure from local authorities, a limited budget, and high expectations from the local community. These demands can sometimes be conflicting, which may lead to frustration and burnout.

We want to support you in meeting these challenges through regular meetings that will serve as a space for sharing experiences, gaining new knowledge, and recharging. The program will include group supervision sessions, lectures led by experts, and training sessions.