In early January 2026, I took part in the debate “Among Varsavians in the Warsaw Way: the City’s Intangible Cultural Heritage”, organised by the University of Warsaw’s Centre for Research on the Culture of Warsaw as part of the series “Warsaw Debates. Non-Obvious Narratives. Facts, People, Institutions…”.

The discussion focused on Warsaw’s intangible cultural heritage, as well as broader national and international contexts of its understanding, identification, safeguarding and promotion. We also addressed the risks of political instrumentalisation of intangible cultural heritage and the role of cities, museums and expert teams in safeguarding living urban heritage.

The debate also featured Katarzyna Kuzko-Zwierz, Head of the Praga Museum, and Dr Artur Jóźwik, Director of the Culture Bureau of the City of Warsaw.

I am grateful to the organisers for the invitation and to the audience for their engagement in this important conversation on the city, community and memory.