A Polish Heart Beats Here: Celebrating Culture and Community at the National Civil War Centre

This captivating exhibition, co-produced with members of the local Polish community, will be open to the public from Tuesday 29 October 2024, into the New Year.

While exploring ‘A Polish Heart Beats Here’, visitors can immerse themselves in Polish culture through three main themes: remembrance, everyday life and culture and traditions. The exhibition highlights Newark’s ties to Poland, from the Polish Armed Forces’ historical presence in local airfields, to the twin town of Sandomierz, and the vibrant Polish community that now call Newark home.

The Open Doors team, from the National Civil War Centre, met with local Polish residents over four months to co-curate the exhibition. The group shared their ideas, feelings, and lived experiences, to create an exhibition that is both personal and communal. Wiki, a participant and Polish resident expressed her excitement: “It’s fantastic to celebrate Polish culture here in our area and work with Open Doors to have created an exhibition in this way. This project has allowed us to connect with our roots and share our heritage with the wider community. ‘A Polish Heart Beats Here’ truly reflects the spirit and traditions of the Polish people in Newark.

“We encourage other Polish locals to visit and take pride in the exhibition and invite other residents to come and learn about our heritage and culture. It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the richness of Polish traditions, from our history and customs to our everyday lives.”

The exhibition opening follows the All Souls Ceremony of Remembrance and Homage, at Newark Cemetery, for All Souls’ Day; a time for the Polish community to remember those who have passed away. This important day is recognised in the exhibition as part of the three main themes of remembrance, everyday life, and culture and traditions.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, shared her thoughts on the exhibition: "This exhibition is a remarkable celebration of the Polish community’s rich cultural heritage. The collaboration between Open Doors and the local Polish residents has resulted in something that is both deeply personal and universally engaging. It is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of our community.

“We are incredibly proud to host ‘A Polish Heart Beats Here’ and to provide a platform for sharing the heritage of our Polish residents. This exhibition not only honours the historical ties between Newark and Poland, but also highlights the ongoing cultural exchange that enriches our town today. I encourage everyone to visit and experience the warmth and diversity of Polish culture. It is through such initiatives that we build stronger, more inclusive communities. I look forward to visiting the exhibition and see it inspire many more collaborative projects in the future."

The ‘A Polish Heart Beats Here’ exhibition is part of Open Doors, a three-year programme of events organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council and funded by Arts Council England. Its aim is to increase creative opportunities for young people and under-served groups and become a focal point for culture across Newark and Sherwood.

Celebrate the vibrant Polish culture that enriches our community and explore A Polish Heart Beats at the National Civil War Centre from Tuesday 29 October. Entry to the National Civil War Centre and the new exhibition is free to all Newark and Sherwood residents.  The National Civil War Centre is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10am until 4pm.

The National Civil War Centre is located at Appleton Gate, Town Centre, Newark-On-Trent NG24 1JY. For more information about the exhibition and related events, visit https://www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com/