Eine Insel? Das Polnische Informations- und Kulturzentrum in Leipzig (1969-1989)

Abstract

An Isle? The Polish Information and Cultural Centre in Leipzig (1969–1989)

In the isolated and controlled GDR-society, Polish influences were often understood as western and liberal. In this context, the establishment of the Polish Centre for Information and Culture in 1969 challenged the cultural life in Leipzig in many ways. By participating in the broad political and cultural program and frequenting language courses, the library and a crafts shop, party members, Polish citizens and interested Germans in Leipzig created several forms of adoption towards the Polish Centre. This article shows that officials and the Secret Police of the GDR reacted with irritation and distrust to the polish institution. The fear of the authorities turned out to be justified. Many – mostly German – visitors of the Centre established informal ways of communication and created themselves an intellectual and emotional «Polish home». In conclusion it becomes evident that even in the highly observed and controlled public sphere of the GDR people could add some sense and meaning to their everyday lives besides the common socialist discourse.