US, BUT NOT ONLY US
Perth Polish Support Group + Juliet Rees
7 Mar – 7 May 09
the first public gallery exhibition of this collaborative creative documentary
curated by Iliyana Nedkova
LOCATION Threshold artspace, Perth Theatre (middle area of Redrooms)
TIMES 7 Mar – 7 May 09 Mon-Sat 10am-5pm or late on performance evenings
ADMISSION Always free
US, BUT NOT ONLY US (My, I Nie Tylko My), 2008, 10 minutes, sound, colour, loop
Members of Perth Polish Support Group, including Marek Styczen, collaborated to create this film as a celebration of their lives, marking their presence in Perth. It offers an insight into the culture and traditions they have nurtured in their new surroundings. The ‘Polonez’ national dance recurs throughout the film as a homing symbol of the vibrant Polish culture. This film highlights the cultural similarities and differences between Scottish and Polish communities.
Us, But Not Only Us cast and crew include Perth Polish Support Group members: Malgorzata Bielecka, Kasia Guzowska, Alina Janik, Leszek Janik, Beata Korowaj, Andrzej Nowak, Marek Styczen, Jacek Siewierski, Mariusz Szmajdzinski and Aneta Wiecek.
Perth Polish Support Group provides advice, support, information and resources vital to the successful integration of its members as ‘New Scots’ in Perth and Kinross. The group has recently secured funding for English language provision and over 170 learners have taken part since September 2007. Furthermore, the group members have hosted a very successful cultural workshop during March International Women’s Day, hoping to extend links with the wider community. Us, But Not Only Us is one their latest collaborative projects.
Juliet Rees started her career in the heritage sector and soon became an award-winning museum curator before moving into film and television production. Rees has produced over thirty short films and videos. She is also a Scottish Screen Lead Practitioner in Moving Image Education. Us, But Not Only Us is one of her collaborative projects.
Us But Not Only Us exhibition is curated by Iliyana Nedkova as part of Horsecross’ Scottish Tides-Polish Spring: a three month celebration of Scotland’s vibrant cultural connections with Poland.
Supported by Perth Polish Support Group, Scottish Arts Council New Work Fund, the Scottish Executive’s Homecoming Scotland 2009 and Adam Mickiewicz Institute’s Polska! Year.
Us But Not Only Us film funded by the Scottish Arts Council and Perth and Kinross Council Arts Development Service as part of Life is Art. North Perth Film Project 2008 initiative.