Are dying trades and rural traditions doomed to oblivion? Do they have any chance to revive? Who is interested in them? I’m talking with Zygmunt Kuchta about the School of Dying Trades.

The Culture Centre ‘Folk House’ in Bukowina runs the School of Dying Trades, Folklore and Folk Art, please tell me where the idea of the school came from and what exactly it teaches.

The School of Dying Trades, Folklore and Folk Art was launched in 1999 on the initiative of Zygmunt Kuchta. It is meant for children, young people and adults who are interested in folk art and culture, who want to plumb their mysteries, both theoretically and practically. The aim of this initiative was to preserve dying trades, to show the young generation the vanishing beauty and to teach them how to bring it back, as well as to train groups of people and help them to find their roots in the rural tradition. We organize plein-air sessions and workshops in various fields of art, with focus on dying trades, for artists who are or are not members of clubs or associations and for amateurs as well.


This year you got funding from the Ministry of Culture Operation Programmes, was it the first support you received? Is it worth applying for the Ministry funding? Is it easy to get it? Is the money enough to cover the project objectives?

We have been getting support from the Ministry of Culture for several years. Obviously it is worth applying for. It is not easy though, but if the money is spent as planned, the Ministry is in favour of projects. We also get money from other sources.

How great is the public’s interest in the School? Who are its students?

The interest is constantly growing. The students range from elementary school children to adults with a predominance of children and young people.


What do the classes look like? Is the tuition free of charge?

Generally the classes are taught by folk artists. For the local people the tuition is free. Others have to pay for the materials and instructor.

Are dying trades enjoying a renaissance? Are kids and young people interested in them? Do they plan to choose them as their career?

Owing to the development of tourist industry the interest in folk art is growing, which for some of our students may mean additional income in the future.


What trades are most popular?

Glass painting, woodcarving, ceramics, sculpture, smithery (periodically).

Do you think that the School of Dying Trades stimulates young artists, makes them more resourceful?

The growing interest and the prospect of earning money most certainly develop resourcefulness in young people.


Is resourcefulness in culture important?

Nowadays culture without resourcefulness practically wouldn’t exist.