Category: Alumni Club

26 Jul 2025
“A Time to Gather Stones – Life in Motion” – a vernissage that moved hearts

There were stones. There was music. There was motion – and stillness.

 

The last Saturday of July brought more than just an art event. The vernissage of the exhibition “A Time to Gather Stones – Life in Motion” by Kseniia Zhizhiy and Michał Szpak, organized by Leopolis for Future, became an extraordinary meeting of art, emotion, and community.

 

Held in the exhibition spaces of the City Culture Institute in Gdańsk, the event gathered many guests – friends of the Foundation, artists, partners, and a large group of Leopolis for Future Alumni Club members. The evening was a celebration of creativity and dialogue that transcended borders and languages.

Kseniia Zhizhiy, a sculptor from Lviv, presented ceramic forms created from, among other materials, chamotte clay sourced from the Donbas region. Her works speak of loss, sorrow, longing for home, but also of resilience and the hope of rebuilding. Filled with emotion, substance, and silence – they invite reflection on the power of the individual and community in the face of historical turmoil.

Michał Szpak, a visual artist from the Tricity area, presented a series of works based on line, rhythm, and contemplation. His art is a metaphysical journey into the depths of human experience – between movement and stillness, between reality and imagination.

The exhibition was not only a meeting of two artistic voices, but also a manifestation of Polish-Ukrainian friendship. In times of uncertainty and challenge, art – as was reminded during the evening – becomes a bridge that connects people, cultures, and values.

During the evening, we also hosted a charity auction titled “Wings of Solidarity”, aimed at raising funds for the development of initiatives by the Leopolis for Future Alumni Club – including the support of projects created and led by its members.

 

A single, exceptional artwork was auctioned: the diptych “Wings of Solidarity” by Małgorzata Waluszewska.

 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Artist for this moving gesture of solidarity and trust.

“A Time to Gather Stones – Life in Motion” is a story of identity, transformation, and hope. It is also a reminder that the future – like art – does not emerge in silence. It is born through dialogue, openness, and movement.

 

We warmly thank the City Culture Institute in Gdańsk for their generous hospitality and for providing the exhibition space. It is thanks to you that this evening took place in such a special atmosphere.

 

We also thank all the guests for their presence and the emotions that made the evening truly unforgettable.

27 Jun 2025
Opening of the 11th Edition of the Leopolis for Future Internship Program

 

With pride and joy, we have launched the 11th edition of the Leopolis for Future Internship Program!

 

This year, 16 students from Ukraine were selected through a demanding, multi-stage recruitment process. These young leaders are already shaping their professional futures in leading Polish companies and institutions – and we are honored to accompany them on this journey.

 

The opening ceremony took place in the extraordinary setting of Hotel Verte – a restored 18th-century palace that now blends past and future. Both symbolically and literally, it was a place where history meets innovation – a perfect backdrop to begin the next stage of our shared path.

 

The evening’s special guest was Mr. Sameer Chauhan, Director General of UNICC. His inspiring speech reminded us all that while destruction is easy, true courage lies in creation. That is precisely the task facing our interns – to build the future with determination, step by step, even in the face of obstacles.

 

Earlier in the day, the participants took part in intensive career development workshops led by the Bigram team. It was a time for reflection, planning, and taking the first steps toward professional independence.

 

Among the program’s partners – the companies and institutions that host our interns and support the Foundation’s mission – are:

 

Autopay S.A., Clifford Chance, ETOS S.A., ING Bank Śląski, KPMG, LPP S.A., the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy of UCK SPZOZ in Gdańsk, Gdańsk City Hall, Gdynia City Hall, and the Office of MEP Magdalena Adamowicz.

 

Each of these organizations is not just a place of internship –  it is a space for growth, inspiration, and meaningful impact. We are grateful for your trust and willingness to share your expertise.

 

This year, we are especially glad to welcome new, inspiring institutions that have brought unique value and perspective to the program:

 

  • Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy at the University Clinical Center in Gdańsk

 

Internships at this department offer a rare opportunity to observe and collaborate with one of the top oncology centers in Europe. This program would not have been possible without the personal involvement of Professor Rafał Dziadziuszko, Head of the Department and a distinguished expert and mentor, who opened up new professional and personal horizons for our participants.

 

  • Office of MEP Magdalena Adamowicz

 

Another exciting new venue in the program – a place where our interns can gain firsthand insight into European politics and legislative work. Participating in the Office’s activities is an opportunity to develop civic, legal, and communication skills in an international environment. We are grateful for your openness and commitment to the development of the young generation.

 

The 11th edition has officially begun – and this is just the beginning!

 

We look forward to the months ahead, filled with shared work, learning, and growth.

 

Because the future doesn’t build itself – we build it together.