Operalab Idea

OperaLab | idea

OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18

OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18

OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18

OperaLab

IIdeaOperaLab is an interdisciplinary project combining features of a gallery and a think-tank, the purpose of which is to create a space for a discourse concerning contemporary changing image of the city and the role of art, as a discipline of significant creative potential, affecting its current picture.OperaLab is a platform created in order to experiment with form and idea, where art and technology meet, allowing a dialo-gue between different visions of the contemporary city, built through art and a discussion on modern design, as an effective ideas-carrying instrument. This type of intellectual circulation allows a wider look at the latest artistic phenomena. Asking about the identity of design, we ask about its permanent change and development. We want to confront the image of mobi-lity, as one of the most important traits of a modern city, with fixed points, constituting a reference to its identity.The identity of the urban space is built through and thanks to art. Design disciplines have become a totem of sorts and a tool for cultural development. Their city-creating role is increasing. Therefore, asking about the future of cities and their development, we are also asking about the role of art in the process of their building and continuous transformation.Interdisciplinary perception of art allows better understanding of the changes occurring in the artistic world. It is difficult to analyse significant artistic phenomena through the narrow prism of specific events, without paying attention to their context and a dense network of relations found at the overlap of a number of artistic disciplines from design to fine and performance arts. The dialogue of art has become a force and allows obtaining a new, fresh quality. The OperaLab project is intended to create opportunities for such meetings, providing a new space for artistic events.The pavilion project, constituting the subject matter of the Designing Identity / Identity of Design competition, offers a chan-ce for creating a mobile space used to present art. This is the first activity setting out the direction of development of the entire project, combining a number of activities carried out in the interiors of Teatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa, with mobile activity in the urban space. The urban space, the elements of which include a space earmarked for artistic activity, situated in the most prominent or intriguing locations, transforms thinking about the city as a structural body into thinking about the city as a concept. The far-reaching conventionality in perceiving complex urban functions is best seen in buildings used for artistic activity. The shape of the urban structure is determined by specific elements, whose stand-alone action can be intensified through quality, quantity and diversity of these elements, while retaining mutual autonomy. In such situation they are remembered, decoded and become a point of reference for a given structure.

PartnershipTeatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa is a place where the correspondence of arts, their intertwining and dialogue is seen perfec-tly. Its seat is a unique edifice. Over a period of almost two hundred years outstanding architects have given a form to the idea of building the world of art. The forthcoming 180th anniversary of the opening of the Theatre, first designed by Antonio Corazzi, and then by Bohdan Pniewski, offers an opportunity to present the architectural heritage of this institution.Teatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa is also one of the most important identity points of the city, which determines urban space by its form. The aim of the project is to establish a dialogue between the architectural and design heritage and new tenden-

OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18

OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18

cies and directions of development of these disciplines. It is a type of changes simulation.The point of departure in the project is the building of Teatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa – a structure closely connected with the identity of the city and strongly accenting its image. In the context of dynamic changes to which a modern metropolis is subjected, being an arena of constant cultural activity, it seems interesting to underline fixed points, allowing its easy identification. Inviting BMW to co-create the project was a natural choice dictated by the long-standing commitment of the brand to supporting artistic initiatives.The method adopted in creating the development strategy of OperaLab is based on investigating the potential of the rela-tion between two strong brands: Teatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa and BMW. Analysing the direction of development of Teatr Wielki – Opera Narodowa and observing the long-standing commitment of BMW to supporting art, we see an opportunity of implementing a pioneering project in Poland. OperaLab refers to the essence of both brands, building the art-business relationship in a contemporary manner.The involvement of the BMW Group in supporting culture is an important element of the corporate social responsibility stra-tegy of the firm, stemming from the belief that the activity of artists is one of the most important areas of social life, and the cultural heritage is an extremely significant value for us as humanity. For the BMW Group taking part in the development of culture is a natural element of its corporate identity. BMW creates unusual cars, boasting ultra-modern technologies as well as exceptional design; giving pure driving pleasure. Thus, the company holds dear the attributes which define real art – creativity, freedom and creation of new qualities.Looking at the OperaLab project through its artistic aspect, it may be understood as a result of art’s fascination with tech-nology and technology’s fascination with art. We see our partnership as an opportunity to create an innovative space for Polish art.

OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18

OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18OperaLab_Papier.indd 1 21.09.2012 17:18