The concept of Bunkier Sztuki grew from the mandate that not only was it the biggest gallery in the Ma_opolska province, but the biggest municipal gallery in Poland. A contemporary arts centre was to be created, whose influence would reach further than locality, maintaining international standards regarding both substantive quality and professional organisation of expositions.

Bunkier Sztuki dates back to 1950, and the creation of the Krak—w branch of the Central Bureau of Art Exhibitions (CBWA) as declared by the Minister of Culture and Art. Its programme, organizational and financial operations were supervised by headquarters in Warsaw. After the CBWA had been decentralised in 1962, its Krak—w branch was transformed into the Bureau of Art Exhibitions (BWA). Critical administrative changes did not take place again until 1989. The BWA was incorporated into the authority of the Krak—w Commune, and granted the status of municipal gallery in 1994, founding the official change of name. The Bureau of Art Exhibitions (often called Galeria BWA from 1993 to 1994), adopted the name the Gallery of Contemporary Art Bunkier Sztuki one year later.

The building hosting Bunkier Sztuki, designed by Stefan Borz_cki and Antoni Hajdecki, is one of few instances of brutalism in Poland. The form of the Pavilion is a consistent reference to the architecture of its surroundings and urban history of the city, and thus clashes with the demands of modernist architecture. The building has been the only modern structure within the Old Town since the 1990s.

Increase in the GalleryÕs activity initiated by its director Maria Anna Potocka (since 2002) led to building renovations to begin in 2003. Bunkier Sztuki now has three autonomous exhibition spaces; Galeria Dolna for small-scale projects; rooms on the ground and first floor that hosts group exhibitions and thirdly, a project space for individual presentations. These main Gallery spaces are complemented by a bookshop and a cafŽ.

The gallery promotes artists within the Krak—w scene, particular younger artists. It is known for exhibitions of classic artists from Poland and internationally. It organizes exhibitions to explore the condition of contemporary painting and video projects. It hosts exhibitions to reflect and challenge the identity of the institution, exhibitions, artists, curators and strategies of artistic action. Exhibitions are often accompanied by catalogues and discussions with the public and critics.

The Bunkier Sztuki Collection is representative firstly, of works by Krak—w-based artists, and secondly, of artists from other parts of Poland. At the end of 2006 it held 76 works by 21 artists. The majority of works are collected through exhibitions staged by Bunkier, thus the collection is reflective of the galleryÕs programme. Next to exhibitions, BunkierÕs collection is a very important programme statement and evidence of the artistic vigilance of the institution, verified by the international representation and recognition of artists in its collection.

The gallery presents approximately 12 – 13 projects each year.

Most outstanding projects in recent years:

Miros_aw Ba_ka, Olaf Breuning, Transculture project, Fluxus East, Robert Ku_mirowski, Witkacy

Bunkier Sztuki a place for direct encounters with art and with artists. It aims to provide a programme that presents the richness of the media and reflects on contemporary art. Bunkier organises exhibitions, artistic actions in public space, shows films, multimedia, and video works, and presents discussions with artists through which rationalisations, explanations and attractions are created. The Bunkier Sztuki Club, considers issues ranging from politics, religion, gender and the media. The ÔnervousnessÕ of art is BunkierÕs main programme adviser.

Meetings of the Bunkier Sztuki Club are a key area of activity. Presentations, discussions and film projections are held on an average of twice a week looking to explore themes such as; interpretation, institutions, and gender politics.

5-8 catalogues per year.

Gallery spaces, 750 m2.

Dolna Gallery, 150 m2; Project Room, 39 m2; Education area, 200 m2; Auditorium, 100 seats; Bookshop, 50 m2.