The spirit of Poland still strong in Ross & Cromarty
The project – named `Dusza Polska’ (the spirit of Poland) – has been launched as part of the `Big Draw’: a national campaign which promotes participation in drawing and artwork from all sections of the community during Autumn each year.
Building on past collaborations with the Polish community, which included cultural exchanges, the Council’s Arts and Heritage Officers contacted several Polish veterans and their families to explore the idea of using the Ross and Cromarty - Polish connection as inspiration for the project. The project has been funded in partnership with Ross and Cromarty Enterprise.
Many fascinating stories emerged from these initial meetings, including acts of immense bravery by the Polish veterans who eventually settled here. Many had arrived in the Highlands to undergo training before returning to Europe to help in the defeat of the German Army. It was during this training period that lasting relationships developed between the Polish soldiers and the local communities they were stationed with.
The art workshops, which have developed from the concept, will include participation, not only from the Polish veterans, but from five primary schools across the area. The school pupils are particularly enthusiastic about taking part as most are currently studying the history of the 2nd World War – a topic which has a particular relevance this year, as 2005 is the 60th anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe.
In total, around 200 people will use the Polish story to produce artwork which will eventually be developed into colourful banners. These banners will celebrate the valuable contribution made by the Polish people in Ross and Cromarty – not only during the war, but also in terms of the social and cultural enrichment the area enjoyed as a result the Polish settlement and integration in the years following the end of the war.
The workshop sessions – led by experienced artists John McNaught and Deborah Carter - have already started in Newmore Primary, and will move on to Park, Adross, Coulhill, Kiltearn and Craighill Primaries throughout September and October.
It is hoped that the finished banners will be located in appropriate venues in the area, or possibly be displayed at the annual memorial service in Invergordon in November, when it is hoped that the new Polish Consul for Scotland, Mr Aleksander Bietkow will pay a visit.
The Highland Council’s Community Learning and Leisure service in Ross and Cromarty has enjoyed significant success with past entries to `The Big Draw’, including Award winning silk banners on the theme of local pictish stones and last years entry ‘Drawing Together’, for which community members from across the area each contributed a section to reveal large scale images depicting various scenes from Ross & Cromarty.
For more information contact: Wendy Sanders Arts Officer 01349 868487 or Lorna Cruickshank, Heritage Officer 01349 868542.