22.09.2024 - 27.10.2024, 00:00
22.09.2024, 12:00 - 16:00
22.09.2024, 16:30 - 18:00
The river is a living organism that has the ability to self-regulate and self-purify. It is a complex system of coexisting species in constantly changing conditions. Today, on River Day, we think and talk about rivers and celebrate their existence. We care about their fate because our future and the quality of our lives depend on them.
The awareness that the fate of rivers determines our future and quality of life prompts us to reflect and care for these water arteries. On World River Day, we will sail on the Vistula to discover its wild, untamed character along the Warsaw section. This part of the river, unique among European cities where rivers are often transformed into straightened and regulated channels, retains its natural beauty.
As part of this event, we will also visit the historical traces of the Sadurka stream, which once flowed through southern Warsaw, meandering and spreading over the areas of today's Służew and Służewiec, eventually, near Wilanów, freely flowing into the Vistula. Although its bed has been hidden beneath the city, the memory of Sadurka has survived in the form of the Służewiecki Stream, a wet valley, and remnants of peat bogs, the restoration of which is still within the scope of human remedial actions.
The Służewiecki Stream, over which the Służewski House of Culture stands, is gaining ecological significance as public awareness grows and decisions are increasingly made with consideration and respect for the city's biodiverse hydrosystem.
Program:
Vistula rafting on the Warsaw section
12:00 – 16:00 / Registrations from 10.09.2024, detailed information about the Cruises (60-80 min.): przeplywamy@gmail.com
The Vistula flows through Warsaw for about 31 km. Its narrowest section, known as the Warsaw corset, was created at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries when the riverbed was artificially narrowed to just 224 m for navigation purposes. Today, the Vistula in this place reaches a width of about 400 m, but in the southern part of the city, the River spreads over more than a kilometer in width. The Vistula has a braided character, which means that its waters naturally divide into numerous islands, shallows, and bars. The riverbed bars, covered with vegetation, provide an ideal place for birds, which we should admire from a distance, without disturbing their peace.
Although the Vistula is relatively shallow, its main current can be treacherous and strong. Therefore, we will set out in a safe boat styled after pre-war, stable wooden vessels to experience the character of the Warsaw Vistula up close.
We depart from the Czerniakowski Port, regardless of weather conditions – please dress appropriately, in layers as in the mountains.
Registrations from 10.09.2024 and detailed information about the Cruises (60-80 min.): przeplywamy@gmail.com.
Beaver activities / meeting by the Sadurka
16:30 – 18:00 / free entry / for children and adults
Meeting point under the Sadurka mural (by the Służewiecki Stream, at the height of the SDK building).
We invite you to a meeting by the ancient Sadurka stream (currently a fragment of the Służewiecki Stream), where a performative exploration of the relationship between the stream, beavers, and humans will take place. This meeting accompanies the opening of the exhibition 'Zrzeki' and will be an opportunity, among other things, to participate in the artistic activities of Piotr C. Kowalski.
Opening of the exhibition by Piotr C. Kowalski – 'ZRZEKI'
19:00 / free entry / foyer
The opening of the exhibition 'ZRZEKI' by Piotr C. Kowalski is an opportunity to meet the artist and talk about his works, which were co-created by beavers – residents of the area around the artist's studio in Greater Poland. During the event, we will see unique painting compositions that will prompt us to reflect on the essence of art, in which the creator consciously gives way to other living beings. Kowalski rejects the anthropocentric paradigm, approaching the wild, creative, and surprising nature with respect.
The exhibition 'ZRZEKI' will be available from September 22 to October 27, 2024, at the Służewski House of Culture Gallery.
Curator and coordinator of the events:
Nel Lato / Służewski DK