The technological partner of the 2nd edition of the Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition is YouTube – a platform owned by Google. The collaboration encompasses a wide range of support, including live broadcasts on the NOSPR YouTube channel. We warmly invite you to watch the competition performances and subscribe to our NOSPR YouTube channel to stay up to date with events and exciting performances. We present an article by Marcin Olender, Google’s Manager for Government Relations and Public Policy in Central and Eastern Europe.
The significance of the role played by modern technologies and Internet platforms in promoting Polish culture and national heritage has been constantly increasing. It is thanks to them that geographical borders are no longer barriers and persons from around the world are given a chance to learn about our heritage. This is not only an opportunity for reaching remote audience groups, but also an effective way of encouraging younger generations of Poles to develop an interest in the tradition and history of our country by means of the digital tools they know the best and use the most.
Internet platforms, such as Google Arts & Culture, enable institutions of culture to create virtual museums, digital libraries, and art galleries, through which Internet users can learn about or rediscover works by Polish artists, writers, and composers – wherever and whenever they want.
A unique example of using modern technologies for promoting Polish culture is the Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition organised by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice. It constitutes a perfect opportunity for honouring the oeuvre of one of the most important Polish composers, one who could merge the avant-garde with references to folklore like no other. Thanks to YouTube, the Competition is broadcast live, which enables persons from everywhere around the world to participate actively and build a community of dedicated melomaniacs.
Supporting such a competition is of real substance, not only from the perspective of promoting Polish music and culture. It is also an important chance for young artists. Their participation in such an event and the resulting direct access to a global audience which can follow not only the artistic competition, but also the respective performers themselves through their social media, gives much greater opportunities for building a career and recognisability.
In a world, where information and culture cross borders in a blink of an eye, the use of modern technologies becomes increasingly necessary for preserving and promoting national heritage. We hope that the Karol Szymanowski International Music Competition will become another excellent example of how these tools, including Youtube, can be used in practice, integrating tradition with modernity and opening global scenes for Polish culture.
