Visteria Foundation builds ecosystem for Polish craft and design

Established in 2025 by Katarzyna Jordan, the Visteria Foundation is a Warsaw-based non-profit located in the historic Gawroński Villa, dedicated to promoting Polish art, craft, and design. Within just over a year, it has organized exhibitions in both Warsaw and Milan, initiated open calls for new artisans, and created public programs. An autumn 2025 open call attracted more than 800 applicants, showcasing a diverse creative scene. Notable exhibitions include "Romantic Brutalism" and "Polish Modernism: A Struggle for Beauty" at Torre Velasca during Milan Design Week 2026, along with projects featuring Polish-Brazilian designer Jorge Zalszupin. Following its 2025 UNESCO intangible cultural heritage recognition, the foundation focused on Polish basketry, hosting Craft Days with workshops and panels alongside Serfenta. Jordan highlights the importance of providing makers with space, recognition, and resources for achieving international acclaim, viewing craft as a dynamic form of knowledge rather than merely a preserved tradition.