The Popular Choice Awards

The open-air Monopolis Summer Stage was developed in the unique Źródliska Park. Virako could not host the stage at Monopolis due to the on-going restoration works but did not want to stop the cultural activity during the time of construction. Thus, the company selected Źródliska Park which is probably the most beautiful park in the city centre and is complemented by a unique history and surroundings. Together with Łódź and Warsaw-based theatres Virako was able to create an extraordinary atmosphere that allows for much more freedom than a rather more claustrophobic theatre performance could probably match. In 2018 Virako organized three performances, cooperating with “Teatr Kamienica” (Tresowany Mężczyzna), “Teatr Polski” (Szekspir forever!) and “Teatr Fundacji Kamila Maćkowiaka” (Cudowna terapia). The production of Monopolis Summer Stage involved the work of over 100 people.

Monopolis Summer Stage was open to the public, and tickets on collection from the Virako office in Forum 76 were free. The performances turned out to be a tremendous success. The audience area was filled to the brim with spectators, and tickets were collected minutes after release. Around 3,000 spectators attended the event. This proves the need to organize open, free of charge cultural events and show that the need for more ambitious entertainment and art is thriving. The Monopolis Summer Stage also created an opportunity for Łódź citizens to see some of the most well-known Polish actors and plays usually hosted by famous Warsaw theaters. The project is another event that has been encouraged by the cultural activity launched by Virako. Previously, guests of Monopolis had the opportunity to participate in numerous music (Monika Brodka and Gaba Kulka concerts), photography (Ryszard Hotowitz exhibition), theatre and cinema events – all available to public. Monopolis acted as a movie plan and hosted numerous film directors – e.g. Jan Komasa with “Miasto 44”. This is how the company perceives social responsibility – with a constant dialogue that invites investment and negates borders between business and the community. This a summation of the Virako approach. Not to build a project that ignores the community but to develop an umbilical cord between the developer and community to enable organic growth.