Paweł Potoroczyn, director of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute

At the Adam Mickiewicz Institute we believe that culture is crucial not only for a given society but for a family of societies that want to lead a happy live together. We also believe that for culture to exist it is indispensable to have a dynamic exchange and an open debate. These are not possible without established contacts and regular communication.

Having said that, let me add just one more thing - as cultural exchange professionals we want to use the best tools available to pursue our goals. If such tools are not readily available, we try to develop them. The East European Performing Arts Platform (Theatre and Dance), established in 2010,  is a case in point.

I am convinced that this platform will help us build bridges between Europe and the Eastern Partnership countries, that it help us gain a better understanding of each other and eventually enable us to create and present works that will be of the highest artistic value. I also truly believe that these works will be socially and politically relevant – and that they in turn will help us build a better future.

Paweł Potoroczyn - Diplomat and culture manager, music producer and publisher. Director of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute since 2008. Holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of Warsaw, where he also read History. He began his career in public service in 1992 as President of the Polish Information Agency. Started his diplomatic service as Cultural Consul at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles. Founder and first Director of the Polish Cultural Institute in New York. Director of the Polish Cultural Institute in London from 2005. Published extensively in various periodicals, including in "Rzeczpospolita" - the second largest daily newspaper in Poland and in "Tygodnik Powszechny" and Brief magazines. A member of the Advisory Board of National Film Archive. Activist who effectively lobbied for innovative financing for culture and the increase of funding for the arts within the public and private sectors.