Perspectives for the Community: Revitalising a Region from the Bottom up

Abstract

Nowa Huta does not have a good reputation in Poland. Not only is its name blackened by prejudices dating from Communist times or the current difficult socio-economic conditions, but the media has also drawn a very negative picture of the town and the region. The press reports violence on its streets or loitering teenage gangs, claiming that Nowa Huta is one of the most dangerous districts in Poland. And it’s not only the media: in 2006, even the Minister of Justice, Zbigniew Ziobro, called Nowa Huta the most dangerous place in Poland. A murder had attracted widespread attention and had provoked widespread reaction, including from Mr. Ziobro. Nova Hutians, who felt unjustly accused and who rejected the generalised negative portrayal, called for a public debate on the fate of the region and sought plans for the re-invention of Nowa Huta.