Festival of Songs about Freedom
The idea behind organizing the Festival is to commemorate musical works and the creators whose contributions are important to Polish history. The struggle against the communist system was waged through many methods, including cultural means. Songs created outside the official channels, sung by communities connected with the opposition, spoke of universal values, the desire for freedom and independence, and the suppressed history. They strengthened the spirit, united people around shared ideals, and their creators, such as Jacek Kaczmarski and Przemysław Gintrowski, became the bards of the opposition. Even today, songs by legendary 1980s rock bands continue to be heard in the media, enjoying cult status among many listeners. Often veiled in metaphor, symbolism, and allusions, these songs subtly resisted censorship. The common thread of this creative output is the story of the longing for freedom.
The struggle against the communist system was conducted through various methods, including cultural activities. Songs created outside the official channels, sung by communities associated with the opposition, spoke of universal values, the desire for freedom and independence, and the forbidden history. They strengthened the spirit, united people around shared ideals, and their creators, such as Jacek Kaczmarski and Przemysław Gintrowski, became the bards of the opposition. Even today, songs by legendary 1980s rock bands continue to be broadcast in the media, enjoying cult status among many audiences. Often veiled in metaphor, symbolism, and allusions, these songs subtly resisted censorship. The common thread of this creative output is the story of the longing for freedom. The Festival is organized to commemorate these important musical works and the figures behind them, highlighting their significance in Polish history.
The Festival is organized by the Katowice Branch of the Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and the Silesian Centre for Freedom and Solidarity named after the Nine Miners of “Wujek." Since its first edition in 2017, participants from across the country have taken part in the project. From 2020, the event has been organized in two stages: the eliminations (held online, based on submitted entries, to select the finalists) and the final (a live performance on stage in front of a judging panel). The first Festival took place at Przystanek Historia – IPN Educational Centre in Katowice named after Henryk Sławik. Participants of the second edition performed on the stage of the Silesian Puppet and Actor Theatre “Ateneum" in Katowice. Between 2019 and 2023, the final was held at the Silesian Theatre – Scena w Malarni. Since 2024, Polskie Radio Katowice has been a partner of the event, and the competition final takes place in its Concert Studio.
