First edition of WrocArt 2026 – Student’s artistic initiative

WrocArt is a student’s artistic project that is university-wide, organised by the student organisation Równi w Różnorodności (Equal in diversity) at the University of Wrocław as part of the Academic Open Budget 2025 program.

The project was coordinated by Karol Rodoliński, an honorary member of the Equal in Diversity organisation. The initiative of the event was supported by Aniela Mroczek, on behalf of the Equal in Diversity organisation’s Board.

The initiative was established to create a space for students to present their artistic works while pointing out the presence of art in the academic lives of students and the space of University of Wrocław. The project combined promotion of student talents, with reflection on values, such as diversity, social sensitivity and engagement.

The project culminated in the WrocArt 2026 Gala, held on 15^th of January 2026, at the Oratorium Marianum of the University of Wrocław, where 24 artistic works created by students were presented. The Gala was opened by the performance “Mrs. Belfegor and the meaning of life” performed by Magdalena Filipów. The performance had a symbolic meaning and was provocative, and its main theme was the contemporary search for meaning of life in a world that is dominated by appearances, superficiality and the attractiveness of form. The golden banana motive became a symbol of a banal goal that rises to the point of absolute, displacing what is truly important. The performance did not offer simple answers but rather left the audience questioning which values are truly perceived today, and which ones are rather worn as decoration. The performance was followed by the speech of the project’s author on the unique nature of art. His main message was to show that art is not banal, even if it seems simple in everyday life. It captivates the viewer, sparks reflection and discussion. It was emphasized that the works that evoke emotions are the ones that are most remembered, which shows that art still has the power to ask important questions.

Later on, the unique commemorative graphics celebrating the 80^th anniversary of the University of Wrocław were presented. This was a symbolic gesture to emphasize the importance of the event and its connection to the history and identity of the university. The graphics were given to, among others, Olga Tokarczuk, Honorary Doctor of the University of Wrocław, and Professor Jan Miodek.

After the presentation of the graphics, the winners of the competition were announced. Aleksandra Żyłka received the award in “Power of Technology” category for her works “SocMod Belgrad 2”, Jagoda Olesińska received the award in “Social Engaged Art” category for her work “Is this still not enough?” and Marta Wilk received the award in “The Voice of a Generation” for her work “Student’s Silhouette.” The Academic Community award was given to Khrystyna Baltska, among 2478 students and administrative staff, for her work “Dancing in Dependence.”

One of the most important moments during the finale was the signing of the painting #ArtIsHope by Karol Rodliński. The signatures were given by representatives of the university, city and cultural institutions, student organisations and community. The gesture demonstrated support for student art at the University of Wrocław and emphasized that culture and academic creativity are an important foundation of the university community. #ArtIsHope became the continuation of the idea and development of WrocArt as a cyclical tradition at the University of Wrocław.

In this setting, the WrocArt Gala showed the full meaning of the event: starting with artistic opening and reflection on the role of the art, through the celebration of students’ works, ending with emphasizing that art has a permanent place at the University of Wrocław.

The artworks will be on display from mid-May at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, the Faculty of Law, Administration and Economics, the Institute of English Studies, the Institute of Journalism and Social Communication, the Faculty of Biological Sciences, the Institute of Romance Studies and the Institute of International Studies.

Translated by Nikola Dawidowicz (student of English Studies at the University of Wrocław) as part of the translation practice.