In 2018, Frankfurt Oder and Poznań saw the first brick-and-mortar freeshops, i.e. places where people can bring and get hold of things free of charge. A coincidence? Or perhaps a sign of the times? In a global world ruled by capitalist markets, for which only profit matters, the establishment of stores that allow people to obtain or exchange goods outside the money-based economy sounds both subversive and utopian. Indeed, a brick-and-mortar freeshop must have a location, people to operate it, and a steady flow of items to be available to visitors. How to finance the operation of such a store? How to design a freeshop space which is friendly and open to all? How to find volunteers who will devote their time and energy to regular work to keep the store clean and safe? Where to receive the supply of goods in order to actually implement the ideas of zero waste or less waste? Is it at all possible?

The originators and co-founders of Poznań-based Po-Dzielnia and the creator of the Frankfurt initiative, which still operates at Brückenplatz, will tell us about their own experiences with freeshops.

For the duration of Michael Kurzwelly’s show New America at Gallery, the venue will operate a Po-Dzielnia Cabinet, a mini freeshop, a branch of Po-Dzielnia operating at 27 Głogowska St. You can take anything for free from the cabinet and leave your unneeded items. Please bring a maximum of one small bag: clothes, books, household items, toys, and undamaged trinkets. The clothes you bring should be washed, books and toys complete, and the household goods in working order. We do not accept food, medicines, large bulky items (furniture, carpets, bicycles, etc.), weapons, and sharp objects.

To learn more, check out our website www.podzielnia.pl

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participants: Michael Kurzwelly, Małgorzata Murao, Kalina Olejniczak, Katarzyna Wągrowska

moderation: Magdalena Maciudzińska-Kamczycka