I tend to visit Bielsko-Biała when I need to look at everything in a new light, objectively and with a fresh pair of eyes.

This city is conducive to deep reflection, thanks to which I am able to recharge my batteries. There’s almost everything here: the beautiful Beskid mountains, charming back alleys which melt into the unique architecture of the city, as well as a plethora of cultural events. There is probably no better recommendation that I can make to you than attending the biennal FotoArtFestival. As you can see, Bielsko-Biała is not just a city in the mountains but also a place where you can ascend cultural heights!
To be honest, I’m no great expert when it comes to photography. I can’t tell the techniques apart and I’m not acquainted with the professional terminology. I simply like photos as well as the thought that someone with a camera in their hand is able to capture the uniqueness of a moment in time and display it with all the powers of emotion that accompany that instance, leaving us with sensations which had been hitherto concealed.

The festival usually takes place in October. The main events, along with almost twenty exhibitions, take place in the city centre, in special locations, all accessible on foot within a few minutes.

I’m pleased that the organisers have invited us to actively participate in the show. FotoArtFestival does not simply display work by the luminaries of the photographic world. The most beleaguered attraction of the festival is the two-day Artists’ Marathon where one can meet the photographers themselves or those curating their work. It’s worth noting that the majority of these artists are visiting Poland for the first time to talk about their individual works and photography in general. They are keen to talk not only about art but also about the world and where we fit into it. These are often people from different cultures but we know for certain that what links us all here is photography.

The festival also includes the DiasShow – an overview of work through multimedia – as well as FotoOpen – an accompanying compendium exhibition in which artists’ compositions which have come to light in open competitions are displayed. Who knows, perhaps this is your only opportunity to see the stars of the future for the first time?
In short, it’s worth being here when Bielsko-Biała over two October weeks transforms into a place where various personalities and points of view permeate through. FotoArtFestival will always be impressive as it also enables us to understand how the world influences photography and how photography influences the world of its artists. I don’t know about you but I have a feeling that this festival makes me look at many things and many people in a completely new light.