Gliwice is once again proving why it has earned a reputation as one of Poland's most welcoming cities for outdoor arts, as the International Street Artists Festival ULICZNICY continues with a series of performances across some of the city's most recognisable public spaces.
Now in its nineteenth edition, the festival remains one of the city's flagship cultural events, transforming parks, squares and historic venues into open-air stages where theatre, circus, movement and visual storytelling take centre stage. The remaining programme offers something for every generation, from family-friendly performances to contemporary physical theatre and internationally acclaimed productions making their Polish premieres.
A Festival That Brings Performance Into the Heart of the City
Unlike traditional theatre festivals, ULICZNICY removes the barriers between performers and audiences. Productions unfold in public spaces, inviting residents and visitors to experience live performance in an informal setting where passers-by can become part of the audience.
Over nearly two decades, the festival has welcomed hundreds of artistic performances, gradually evolving into a carefully curated celebration of street arts. While its early years featured an even broader mix of cultural activities, today's programme focuses on distinctive theatrical experiences selected from across Europe.
Remaining Festival Programme
Saturday, 18 July
4:00 P.M.
Teatr Formalina (Poland) presents Kapi i Ara, a family performance in Park Chopina.
5:00 P.M.
Bratři v Triku (Czech Republic) brings Male Mermaids to Gliwice Market Square, combining juggling and visual theatre. The production receives its Polish premiere during the festival.
6:00 P.M.
Teatr Migro (Poland) performs Ikary in Market Square, offering audiences contemporary theatre in the heart of the city.
Friday, 24 July
7:00 P.M.
French company Le G. Bistaki presents Tancarville at the atmospheric Ruins of Victoria Theatre. This Polish premiere requires free admission tickets.
Saturday, 25 July
4:00 P.M.
I co było dalej (Poland) premieres the children's performance TING in Park Chopina.
6:00 P.M.
A second opportunity to experience Le G. Bistaki's acclaimed Tancarville takes place at the Ruins of Victoria Theatre, again with free admission tickets required.
A Cultural Tradition That Continues to Grow
Since its launch, ULICZNICY has become one of Gliwice's defining cultural events. The festival has attracted artists from across Europe while remaining accessible to local audiences through free outdoor performances.
Its reputation extends beyond the city itself. In 2011, the festival expanded as part of Katowice's bid for the European Capital of Culture, presenting more than fifty artistic events across Gliwice and Katowice. It later returned to Katowice as part of the city's anniversary celebrations.
Over the years, the festival has also received recognition for its contribution to local government cultural initiatives, while its founder and artistic director Piotr Chlipalski has been honoured for his longstanding work in promoting culture in Gliwice.
The festival has been supported by the City of Gliwice since its very beginning, helping ensure that high-quality international street theatre remains accessible to audiences of all ages.
Where Public Spaces Become Stages
Street theatre has a unique ability to bring communities together, turning everyday public spaces into places of creativity and shared experience. Festivals such as ULICZNICY encourage people to slow down, explore the city centre and discover performances they might never otherwise encounter.
Whether attending with children, meeting friends in the Market Square or experiencing contemporary theatre beneath the historic backdrop of the Victoria Theatre ruins, visitors can expect an event that celebrates imagination, craftsmanship and the simple pleasure of live performance.
With several performances still to come, there is plenty of opportunity to experience why ULICZNICY has remained one of Gliwice's most anticipated cultural traditions for nineteen years.
Event Information
Festival: IV Międzynarodowy Festiwal Artystów Ulicy – ULICZNICY
Remaining dates:
- 18 July
- 24 July
- 25 July
Venues:
- Park Chopina
- Gliwice Market Square (Rynek)
- Ruins of Victoria Theatre
Admission:
Most performances are free to attend. Tancarville at the Ruins of Victoria Theatre requires free admission tickets.
image credit: ULICZNICY, Alicja Werner