In anticipation of a museum: social activism in search of collective memory in Kraków’s Prądnik as a source of inspiration for participatory activities

Abstract

By assuming tasks which are by law assigned to museums, the inhabitants of two quarters in north Kraków are unwittingly introducing ‘new museology” principles into the life of their community. Their focus on experience and interaction is visible in social actions like the “sledge protest” and interest in the concept of “daughterhood”. The contextual character of their activities shows that Prądnik residents care about protecting the heritage of the communist period. Their respect for depositors is expressed by actions aimed at opening the preserved Bereś atelier to the public. They critically assess their own knowledge and in civic budget voting consistently opt for projects focused on popularising local heritage. Constant contact with the audience and co-creation are key factors behind the popularity of “Slow Music Making” events, Painting Lending Library, communal urban gardening and space annexation through language. Prądnik residents have developed a set of qualities typical of a perfect conscious audience of a museum — an institution that is yet to be created.