Robert Piaskowski

Robert Piaskowski is a sociologist, cultural manager, and academic lecturer with extensive experience in the non-governmental sector, where he co-founded and actively participated in numerous artistic associations. He studied at the Jagiellonian University (Kraków), Université d’Aix-Marseille, and Collegium Civitas (Warsaw).   

For over a decade (2007–2019), he served as Program Director of the Kraków Festival Office, where he spearheaded the creation of major international festivals such as Misteria Paschalia, Opera Rara, Sacrum Profanum, Wianki – Święto Muzyki, ICE Classic, Conrad Festival, and Miłosz Festival. He co-founded and serves as Artistic Director of the Kraków Film Music Festival (FMF), one of the world’s leading events in its genre.   

From 2019, as Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Kraków for Culture, he led key cultural initiatives, including Kraków's application to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Literature, the establishment of the Kraków UNESCO City of Literature program, and the strategic Kraków Culture policy integrating culture with tourism. 

He played a pivotal role in projects such as the Kraków Music Centre, the Planet Lem Centre, and the creative district of Wesoła. 

An advocate for cultural heritage, Piaskowski contributed to the European Heritage Lab, the creation of the Kraków Europa Nostra HUB, and chaired the interdisciplinary Kraków Cultural Heritage Management Center. He represented Kraków in international organizations like Europa Nostra, FCN, and EFA, and from 2020 to 2024, served on the Board of ICORN, promoting cities of refuge for artists at risk.   

Since 2024, he has been the Director of the National Centre for Culture, a leading government agency under Poland's Ministry of Culture. The institution supports cultural development through grant programs, research, and organizing events like the Eufonie Festival, a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA).   

(www.nck.pl)