EVENTS - 02.2008 - WARSAW

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EVENTS - 02.2008

Carnival Balls
Carnival is traditionally associated with fun and costume balls. Of course, customs have changed, and fun and balls look differently these days than they used to. The most famous balls and carnival marches in Warsaw took place during the reign of the Polish King, August II (1670-1733). Their lavishness was modeled on the ways of the King of France, in Versailles. During the Saski period (in the 17th and the 18th centuries), Warsaw was one of the few European capitals that tried to keep pace with Paris in the field of culture. There were plenty of balls in the centuries to follow, as well. The last old-fashioned ball was held in Warsaw on the night of 31 December 1945-1 January 1946, at the Polonia Hotel. The members of older, high society in Warsaw met the representatives of the new, communist 'power' of the city, for the last time. In the last decade, outdoor balls have become quite popular. In 1999, thousands of Varsovians greeted the year 2000 at Pilsudski Square and the Grand Theater building was decorated to look like a gigantic birthday cake. In the picture: Varsovians partied in these types of clothing in the 19th century.

Wilhelm Sasnal enraptures viewers
The very popular exhibition of a young but already internationally-famous Polish artist, Wilhelm Sasnal, at the Zachęta Gallery in Warsaw, is on until the 2nd of March. Art critics, in fact, believe that this exhibition, entitled 'Lata walki' ('Years of Struggle') which consists of many works by the artist, is one which simply has to be seen. The public had already come to the same conclusion as they filled the rooms of the Zachęta Gallery. Sasnal is an unusual artist. He is only 35, and the prestigious contemporary art magazine, Flash Art, put him first on a list of one hundred most important young artists in the world. In 2006, Sasnal received the most important European art award, the Vincent van Gogh. Wilhelm Sasnal's creations maintain a balance on the line between faithfully reproducing reality and the need for its creative interpretation. This truly must be seen!

Warsaw in 'Financial Times'
Warsaw is becoming more and more popular as a destination for tourists and businesspeople. In one of the December issues of 'Financial Times', almost an entire page was devoted to Poland and the capital of our country. The article, 'High expectations of everyday life', describes the economic and political situation in Poland, and a large advertisement with the slogan 'Grow with Warsaw' (see picture) presents Warsaw as a city of modern business, where you can do good deals.

A school named for Irena Sendlerowa
The wishes of the students at one of Warsaw's schools have come true: the Warsaw City Council has agreed to allow them to name their school after Irena Sendlerowa, who rescued 2,500 Jewish children during the Second World War. In accordance with Polish tradition, patronage and monuments are only given to famous and important people five years after death. An exception has been made for Irena Sendlerowa, who was born in Warsaw in 1910. Exceptions were also made for the Polish Pope, John Paul II. Gimnazjum (Junior High School) number 3 in the North-Praga district of Warsaw will bear the name of the heroic nurse who risked her life to save Jewish children. In Poland, the only country occupied through World War II by the Germans, helping or rescuing Jews was punishable by death. The ceremony for granting the name of the school will take place in May.

99% talent isn't enough 1% of your taxes can help change that
This year, it is a just a matter of writing three words and ten important numbers. The rest will be done by your PIT tax form. Fundacja Vide Supra is a public benefit organization. That means that it fulfills high standards of transparency and in carrying out its projects it works for the good of the public. It also means that every income tax payer can donate 1% of his taxes to help. Starting in 2008, it is much easier to do that than ever before. It is enough to fill out the space in your annual income tax form, and give the name of the foundation (Fundacja Vide Supra) and its legal registration number: 0000265542.
Funds originating from 1% of taxes will be sent by the tax office to the foundation's account within three months. The cost of the transfer will be deducted from the amount sent. Further information about how to donate money from taxes can be found at ngo.pl: http://www.ngo.pl/x/89738

Chris Rea sings
Chris Rea, an outstanding artist (who does not know his hits 'The Road to Hell', 'Josephine' or 'Looking for the summer'?) with fans from all around the world, who love his unusual, warm, emotional voice, announced that he would not give any more concerts or record any more albums, which truly worried his loyal fans. Fortunately, he has not kept his word. He does not give as many concerts as he used to, but he does give some. On the 20th of February, Chris Rea will perform once again in Warsaw. The artist is touring with a newly-formed quintet. During a show lasting more than two hours, his Fabulous Hofner Blue Notes will present a mixture of classical and bluesy instrumental pieces, new compositions, and the greatest classics from Chris Rea's rich repertoire of songs.

Information published at 4 February 2008