It was because there was no platform for Polish art and culture in Ireland that Monika Sapielak, who has been living here for the past three years, established ArtPolonia in 2006.
This organisation works as "an information and exchange centre for Polish culture and society as well as for Polish-Irish cooperation and exchange".
"I want people to come together, " says Sapielak. "I do not want to organise events only for Polish people . . . I want to provide opportunities for all people living in Ireland to meet their culture as well." Before ArtPolonia existed, there was no cohesive platform for the scattering of Polish artists throughout this island. "I do not think that there are many facilities for international artists in Ireland, " says Sapielak. "That is exactly what I am trying to organise, to build this platform."
Arriving in a foreign country without any contacts in the cliquish art world means that even the most talented of artists can fall through the cracks, as Sapielak has discovered. "With art it is difficult to get established because of the competition, and also the language can be a big barrier. A few people made it but they are absolutely outstanding artists . . . many do not."
