[PL] On January 18th, 2014, our dear Director Wojciech Krukowski passed away in Warsaw.

We bid farewell to a man who, for over twenty years (1990-2010), was an inspiration and source of creative courage to all of us at the Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle. Without him, we wouldn't be who we are today. He trusted us and gave many of us their first chance. Some saw him as a teacher and a role model. Others were fortunate to call him a friend. Everyone recognized him as an authority.

Wojciech Krukowski was first and foremost an artist, consumed with a creative passion and convinced that art can have a positive influence on reality. He made important contributions to independent culture during the communist era in Poland as the founder of a unique and ground-breaking theatre – Akademia Ruchu. He launched Poland's leading contemporary art magazine, Obieg. In 1990, he created the country's first interdisciplinary art institution, the Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle. Krukowski's CCA was more than just a gallery, more than a museum, and more than an institution. It was an idea, around which he brought together a community of people who shared in and were inspired by his enthusiasm. Thanks to his efforts, the Center has become a place whose importance for contemporary Polish culture cannot be overestimated.

Wojciech Krukowski did not accomplish his life's work alone, but with other people, and it was for others – and not himself – that he worked. He was a generous person, always willing to share his energy and creativity. We are grateful for all he gave us, and we shall never forget him.

Goodbye, dear Director, goodbye Wojtek.

Team of the Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle