SACROEXPO traditionally features the awarding ceremony of the Pontifical Council for Culture’s Medal “Per Artem at Deum”.  This year it was held on 20 June.  The Medal Chapter chaired by Fr. Bishop Marian Florczyk PhD resolved to include the following artists to the Medal fellowship:  Antonina Krzysztoń – Polish singer, composer and songwriter;  Arvo Pärt – Estonian composer of choral and instrumental music and   Arnaldo Pomodoro – an Italian sculptor and goldsmith.

Antonia Krzysztoń, personally received the award; at the ceremony she could not conceal her emotions.

–  The first word that comes to mind is gratitude (…)  I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to sing, for the fact that on my way of life I have met so many wonderful people  – said Antonina Krzysztoń during the ceremony.

Arvo Pärt was unable to visit Kielce owing to some other commitments. The audience was assured that he will come to receive the Medal next year.  Arnaldo Pomodoro wrote in his open letter:   –  I believe in this complex and chaotic period, in the times of liquid modernity and social uncertainty we need to find an authentic dimension of humanity filled with the deepest spiritual values”. He also added that ” the idea of spirituality is essential in art “ .

During the gala ceremony other distinctions and accolades were presented –  the Medal of HE Primate Rev. Cardinal Józef Glemp, the Medal of Polish Primate Rev. HE.  Archbishop Wojciech Polak, the Honorary Award of HE Bishop of Kielce Rev. Jan Piotrowski  and the annual award  and the annual award of Council for Culture and Cultural Heritage Protection of the Polish Bishops’ Conference – the PER AD ARTEM Excelsis Medal.  This was handed by His Eminence  HE Bishop Michał Janocha.

A lot of business spiced with arts – a recipe for a successful expo

The 17 International Exhibition of Church Construction, Church Fittings and Furnishings and Religious Art SACROEXPO goes down in history as a record-breaking event with regards to the number of exhibitors.  The Expo abounded in Church-focussed innovations, the event programme offered accompanying events galore including the grand gala awarding ceremony of the Pontifical Council for Culture Medal –  Per Artem ad Deum. The Kielce trade show hosted over 4,500 visitors.

SACROEXPO is ranked second among Europe’s largest sacred and Church industry-related exhibitions. This year’s expo was the showcase for 280 exhibitors from 11 countries – Italy, Spain, Germany, Ukraine, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland.

–  We have exhibited at SACROEXPO since the second edition of the show; over the years we have observed the trade show’s developed and advancement. SACROEXPO Poland’s and Central – Eastern Europe’s industry leader.  This event responds to high demands.  – said Mrs Marek Lempaszek of Studio Prata during the Expo.

Expo stand is one-stop-shop presentation of the latest trends in sacral art, devotional items and accessories as well as church fitments, new technologies for sacral construction and properties and heritage conservation.