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"Poland is also an area of conflict"

  April 1, 1998  
Jerzy Woziwodski from Poland spoke in Polish, but was kind enough to bring his translator with him to the podium to translate his statement into English.

"Poland is also an area of conflict - more before than now. The Polish artists worked underground for decades during the Soviet domination up till the 80's. The Catholic Church was the only asylum where the artists could exhibit their craft without interference. During these years the artists kept their hopes up through the massive support from international sources. When Polish artists gained their freedom, it was by the influence of numerous insisting letters from international organisations and their conferences. There is astill lot of work ahead when it comes to the legislation in favour of the artists to strengthen the status of culture in Poland. Then again it is helpful to get support from other countries."

Jerzy Woziwodski suggested international unity in the following sectors of co-operation:

  1. Taxation of artists - no VAT on art
  2. Freedom of movement across borders
  3. Freedom of movement of arts across borders
  4. Right to claim ownership of work
  5. Strengthening the personal status of artists

"Everybody attending this conference is responsible for getting this message out to their respective governments in order to change the present circumstances," said Woziwodki.

He ended his speech by stating, "Doom over Internet and computers. Let's get back to the second hand book stores, the ancient frescoes, paintings and sculptures - real art that can be seen and felt."

 

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