Salon Polin offers the Israeli public a unique insight into the spirit of artistic Poland, strengthening cultural ties. Each edition invites leading Israeli figures from the world of art and design – artists, curators, and experts – to discuss contemporary Polish culture and its connections with Israel.

Adina Bar-On’s work often addresses historical and identity-related issues, as well as dialogue between Poland and Israel. The artist, who was awarded the title of Ambassador of Poland’s Good Name by the Polish Institute in 2018, explores themes of memory and Polish-Jewish dialogue, often referring to events in Poland. During the meeting at the Institute’s library, she also spoke about her projects carried out in Poland, particularly the long-term project “Aesthetics and Bias – Polish Israeli Art Student Meeting.” Initiated by Bar-On in 2008 with the support of the Polish Institute in Tel Aviv, the project brought together art students from Poland and Israel through workshops, discussions, and collaborative artistic activities. Its goal was to deepen cultural dialogue, develop aesthetic sensitivity, and encourage reflection on issues of identity and bias. The project involved students from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem and four Polish Academies of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań. The joint workshops, projects, and exhibitions allowed young artists to explore questions of memory, identity, and intercultural dialogue, creating a space for exchange of experiences and artistic collaboration.

The first event of the Salon Polin series, held on December 30, was led by Dalit Matatiahu, Chief Curator of Israeli Art at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. The meeting gathered leading representatives of Tel Aviv’s artistic scene, who filled the Institute’s library to capacity.