“Wasteland” is a relative matter. Our attention was drawn to a space in the very center of the city - at the corner of Marszałkowska and Świętokrzyska. This area is in a constant state of suspension from the perspective of ‘public utility.’ Various temporary structures have previously occupied the site - including flying ones. Recently, even the Miniature Park found a place there... Can we make use of this space?
The Idea of the Biennale of Wastelands: "The topic of urban wastelands has been recurring in various activities in Warsaw for several years, showing the potential and extraordinary need to discover and revitalize these places. Many publications and projects have emerged around this topic. Gilles Clement described them as "Third Places," pointing to the deep significance of wastelands as sources of biodiversity, and consequently their importance to us - the residents. As part of the Biennale of Wastelands, we want to search for wastelands that we pass by every day, that we see from our apartment and office windows, that disturb but also intrigue us. We want to consider the role that wastelands play in the urban structure, whether they are something negative, or quite the opposite. What can we, and what should we do with them, and how can art help us discover a different side of the city? An important aspect of this endeavor is the involvement of local communities. Artistic and cultural projects carried out in neighborhood spaces have repeatedly shown that they can be tools that help residents stimulate a sense of co-responsibility for the space and encourage the collective use of its resources. Perhaps this is the key to revitalizing wastelands?
