Modelarnia

Modelarnia 2002–2012

Modelarnia Modelarnia was established in 2002 on the former grounds of the Gdańsk Shipyard as another form of activity of the Wyspa Progress Foundation. The process of revitalising the shipyard area, which involved expanding the historic city centre with a modern waterfront district called Młode Miasto (Young City), began with inviting artists to the site. The invitation was intended to revitalise the post-shipyard areas and change their perception in the minds of Gdańsk residents. The concept of revitalising this area is rooted in the identity of the place, but at the same time it exploits the enormous potential of art (...). Modelarnia was one of the first art venues to be established in the shipyard area, along with Kolonia Artystów and the Znak theatre. Before the post-industrial buildings are demolished and replaced with modern architecture, artists can enjoy an atmosphere that is ideal for work. The shipyard area, separated from the city by a high fence – even though it is only a few hundred metres from its current centre – is a real deserted city within a city, with its own streets, transport, railway tracks, shops and even a bar and a café. (...) Located just fifty metres from Lech Wałęsa's former workshop, Modelarnia (...) consciously draws on the myth of Solidarity. As an artists' cooperative, it focuses on teamwork and mutual assistance. It is particularly favourable towards socially and politically engaged art. Modelarnia has become a place where artists not only create and exhibit their art, but also live and treat as their natural environment. (...) Operating in extreme conditions, battling the cold and constant underfunding, Modelarnia's artists have developed an alternative economy that allows them to remain self-sufficient. Moreover, Modelarnia gives them complete freedom of action without censorship, allowing them to act on their own responsibility. (...) Plans to revitalise the former Gdańsk Shipyard site include the demolition of Modelarnia and the construction of a commercial building in its place.