An act of patriotism

Artists from nine countries in Western, Central and Eastern Europe are taking part in an exhibition organized in the historic Gdańsk Shipyard. The exhibition, which presents contemporary art and an open discussion on what patriotism means today, will continue until the end of 2006.

Patriotism Tomorrow is the title of a recently introduced program of the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The slogan has inspired young artists from different countries to create an exhibition of contemporary art.

"Patriotic values have become a part of a political game where a monopoly on using patriotic symbols is being taken by right-wing political parties," said Łukasz Gronowski, an artist who is taking part in the Gdańsk exhibition. "The definition of patriotism should be redefined, especially where new communities are being formed, such as the European Union."