The new issue of “Purpose” is devoted to culture centres. Why did we choose this subject? We wanted to examine what these places are today and what roles they play. Also, the difference between the state and commercial ones, established more and more often.

As a child I loved Youth Culture Centres where I could develop my passions. As it was difficult for me to decide what to choose, I divided the courses into six-month periods of painting and drawing, sewing and model-making. I also had a library card (I was the librarian’s favourite because I read everything that got in my hand). In the aeromodelling course I was the only girl. Father was proud of me as although he couldn’t hand down his passion to a son, it simply emerged in me by itself. Painting courses were taught by a lady whose greatest concern was that everybody cleaned up their tables after the class, and since I like order, I liked those meetings too. The most wonderful memories I have are those of the dressmaking and designing course – they were taught by a charming elderly lady who had been a dressmaker (nowadays the word is rarely used, but it’s nice and feminine) and after she retired she found fulfilment in sharing her knowledge with young generation. She did it in a way that I have never seen in any other teacher. It was thanks to that course that I decided to become a fashion designer and study at the Academy of Fine Arts. I was 12 then.

When I am looking at young people or rather children today, I wonder how many of them attend courses that are not imposed by their parents. Are they developing their passions? Are they trying to find themselves? Their place in the world? The world today offers a great variety of extracurricular classes and numerous culture centres. Some of them are free of charge. There are many places where children can learn not only how to paint, but to draw or write, they can also learn what friendship is, how it feels to help each other and realize their passions. It’s wonderful to be a child and to be able to try everything. It’s great to have parents who help and not choose for the child. I hope to be such a parent for my little boy.

During my work on this issue of the magazine I found it difficult to select only a few of the culture places. And I must admit that the selection of the best and the most interesting ones would take more than a year. That’s why our selection is very subjective. And interesting, I hope.          

This undertaking was prepared and is realized under the Promotion of Reading Operation Programme announced by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.