An interview with Bogdan Zdrojewski, the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.

EC1 Arttraction Railway Journal: Would you like to go back in your memory and tell us when you heard about the idea for the first time?

Bogdan Zdrojewski: Some time ago, it was about a network of railway connections. It was quite unusual, actually. My former deputy -Mayor of Wrocław, Zygfryd Zaporowski, who collaborated on Wroclaw-Lodz-Warszawa railway line, asked for my opinion regarding this project and its possible implementation. It was the year 2002. He simply remembered that not only do I know conditions concerning local planning, but also, as a former engine driver, I know the railway. Indeed, I did travel around Poland as a junior engine driver, but I was only twice in Łódź, once with a cargo and once in a passenger train.

How did you like the idea at the beginning? Was it: they are hitching their wagon to the stars, or rather: great, I wish them luck; this idea will put Lodz on the right track?

- The project did not seem to be very realistic. Suddenly, in order to ‘put Lodz on the line,’ we would have to spend an exorbitant sum of money. And the communicative purpose, although achievable, had no other sense. The railway was a bankrupt at the time, and suddenly they come up with such idea whim!

You were there in Lodz in February 2008 and in July 2008 at the finals of the international contest for design of the Special Art Zone. You were rather enthusiastic about the project, and you compared it to prominent revitalisations and modernisations in several European cities. Those words brought hope for financial support from the Ministry. This year, during a press conference transmitted over the internet, you highlighted the Łódź project, but you made a condition that granting money from the reserve list to the Special Art Zone depends on the investment on part of the railways. We already know that it will start in the second quarter of the following year. The railway station will be closed and the reconstruction will start. Does it mean that Łódź may count on European funding?

- Those visits to Łódź were a bit of a finding, but I must confess that they were preceded by several insights into ways of thinking about the city. Since 2007, various people from the local government and business environment of Lodz have successfully tried to make me interested in the project. A combination of various challenges – related to communication, business, and culture – was the greatest achievement. The architecture contest (regarding the future shape of the Special Art Zone) itself verified our dreams with real, pragmatic tools. Even though I know that ‘paper approves of everything,’ whereas life not necessarily, my compliments for the initiators of the project were authentic and they still are. It is one of the most interesting projects of this kind in Europe! Today, it has two important assets: first one is Cezary Grabarczyk, the Minister of Infrastructure and the second one is determination of the local government and their well organised business. Unfortunately, there are two drawbacks as well, the first one being time. In order to file for the EU funding, i.e. move the project from the reserve (inactive) to active status, the investment in the art zone should have serious expenses in the following year (regardless of railway infrastructure). The second one is the economic crisis and the necessity to rationalise culture expenses. I am convinced, however, that the quality of the project, its common sense and compatibility are a potential source for getting a satisfactory decision in the end. It requires determination, some corrections in the scale and making deadlines seem more real. I express my sincerest kindness towards the project.

Łódź is searching for its identity in the 21st century and sees its source in culture and art. How does the Minister of Culture see this project?

- Progress in seeing attractiveness of Lodz in culture and art, is clear, or even impressive. At last, after so many years, the city and its industrial character have made it up. After all, it is here where the first and the best museum of contemporary Polish art was created. Lodz is becoming an important address and everybody has to become aware of that.

What should Lodz do in order to help the project, or rather, itself?

The pace at which the railway station will be reconstructed is important. It is the same about constant monitoring of cultural services, flexibility in thinking about functions: connecting, mobility, universality, self-funding of some services and, above all, preparation of an alternative plan which, in case of a failure, will allow to finalise the project anyway, even if it means that it will have to last longer. There is no place for irresponsibility, chance or lack of ‘project insurance’ here. It is too interesting, too valuable to let it perish.

The New Center of Lodz will become an attraction both for the people of Lodz and incomers – tourists and foreigners. What do you think about the chances of Lodz in their effort to win the title of European Capital of Culture?

- At present, Lodz is at the first place in the category of dreams. Very promising dreams, I must add. In the category of prepared cities, supported by projects and investments – at the forefront. In the category of cities ready to be the capital... something is still missing.

Just before the start of the railway investment in the New Center of Lodz, we wrote down three years of preparations, cherishing the idea of the glorious future of the city. Let us imagine that we are in the future Lodz, let’s say 10-15 years from now... What would you like to see?

- A complete city. An original place that is aware of its value. A place in Poland which you cannot ignore. It is important not only for Lodz, but also for all of us, citizens of Warsaw, Cracow, Gdansk, Wroclaw or Poznan. Lodz can make it, it does have the potential.

Interview by Kostek Lichtenstein