The Palace

The Palace is a 10 day artist residency in the countryside in Poland, it’s in an old palace that has been converted into an artist’s paradise. 

The first day we got there one of the staff members tested positive for corona, so we needed to go to an off-site accommodation while they checked the other staff members. We then went to this old mill where it was owned by these sculptors. As we entered the mill, we were greeted by other people who were in the same situation as us and needed to sort out bedding and living quarters. As a collective of people we decided to create our own mini palace experience. There were musicians, dancers, singers, photographers and more at this little mill. And as the circus we put up the circus tent right outside the mill and brought the circus vibe. 

During the time in the mill we still had one more person that needed to join our pirate crew, this was Chloe. So Tomek and I drove to the airport to collect Chloe and what an introduction. We played games on the car journey back and bonded with each other. This was the last member of the group to be initiated into the circus. 

After our adventure in the mill, we finally entered the palace with full force!!! We created an entrance with music, dancing and costumes. To begin our palace experience.

On the first day in the palace we set up the tent. We now needed to realise what we will bring to this residency and how we will leave our mark. So throughout the residency we created a space for people to come and experience the circus. We gave workshops and opened the tent to others to offer workshops. As well as this we organised a cacao ceremony and played music through the night. This was the place to be. 

Now we have to talk about the weather in the valley of Poland. One night the rain came down so hard it almost swept the tent away. This was one of the first times I realised that the tent was also part of the team and needed to be taken care of. 

This festival was a special one, it was the first time the whole crew was together and worked as a team to create a magical experience, only found in fairy tales.