When does grassroots move institutions to change?

What drives cultural institutions to change? This year's edition of the Museum think-tank is devoted to turning points. We invite all those who are open to changes in the institutions in which they work to discuss.

We want to devote the discussion in the long table formula to the relationship between activism and institution. They do not always work in the rhythm of the same dynamics. How to reconcile the rapidity of activism with institutional sustainability? Can institutions take a stand in the face of political and social challenges? When do we need an institution to protest actions in its environment? How can grassroots, understood as activist actions that are the voice of individuals, communities or independent organizations, be an element that moves institutions? We know from the experience resulting from the reaction to the political and social situation that protest can be a turning point in the functioning of institutions, but also sometimes a contribution to entrenching oneself in one's position. How to make the dispute bear fruit in reflection and action? We invite you to a discussion in the format of a long table among the people participating in this year's edition of the Museum think-tank and invited guests and guests.

The meeting will be attended by, among others: Tomasz Besta, Prof. UG | Asma Chehade University of Gdańsk | Patrycja Medowska Visible Foundation | Sergiusz Murenec European Solidarity Centre | Foundation for People with Migration Experience and Displaced Persons “Migrants of Pomerania”

The discussion will be inspired by the long table format created by Lois Weaver, a member of the lesbian theatre duo Split Britches. The long table is a physical space, and at the same time a process without a hierarchical structure, democratizing public debate. The people participating in the discussion meet at the table, and the conversation is the only dish served. Through properly prepared places and a protocol of participation in the discussion, the conversation becomes at the same time a performance of participation and commitment. The museum think-tank is a joint venture of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews POLIN, the Rothera Mills and the European Solidarity Centre.

Since 2014, the program has been run by the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, in cooperation with other institutions for several years. Its goal is to create an informal network of employees of museums, galleries and organizations and units supporting the development of museology. Think-tank is a platform for the exchange of inspiration, practices and experiences, as well as a space for joint discussion around doubts and questions. Each edition is devoted to a different topic — these are usually issues that are not represented in other museum forums or that are just emerging in museum reflection and need to be mapped. The think-tank program is co-created by the participants, and subsequent meetings and knowledge production are collective and process in nature.