From 26 to 30 June 2026, the former Department of Psychiatry and Nervous Diseases of Wroclaw Medical University will become the venue for the 24th SURVIVAL Art Review. The event, organized by the Art Transparent Foundation, has been bringing contemporary art into places usually inaccessible to the public for more than two decades. Wroclaw Medical University is the general partner of this year’s edition.
This year’s review will be held under the motto “A Finger in the Heart”. It refers to the history of Wrocław medicine and the unique venue of the event, but also opens up a discussion on contemporary challenges: trust in knowledge, mental health, disinformation, health education, and responsibility for the quality of public debate.
More than 35 artistic projects, selected from among 903 submissions, will be presented in the former Department of Psychiatry and Nervous Diseases at 44 Bujwida Street. Many of them were created specifically for this location. Over five days, visitors will be able to explore exhibitions and take part in guided tours, workshops, debates, lectures, performances, and music events.
For WMU, this year’s SURVIVAL is an opportunity to highlight the importance of dialogue among science, art, and society. The historic space of the former clinic – associated with treatment, research, and the development of knowledge about the human mind and nervous system – becomes a place for reflection on how to distinguish knowledge from its imitation and how to build resilience against disinformation.
The Social Scene programme will also include events prepared with the participation of Wroclaw Medical University:
27 June, 12:00 p.m.
WMU panel: “Evidence vs. beliefs: what is health education today?”
28 June, 12:00 p.m.
theatrical activity by WMU and Układ Formalny: “Hospital of Lies”
30 June, 1:30 p.m.
WMU workshop: “A quick survival course in the world of online health” – on susceptibility to disinformation
30 June, 3:30 p.m.
WMU interactive study: “Map of trust: whom do we believe about health? – disinformation report”
30 June, 5:30 p.m.
theatrical activity by WMU and Układ Formalny: “Hospital of Lies”
SURVIVAL is one of the most important events dedicated to contemporary art in Wrocław. Since 2003, its organizers have invited the public to discover places with a special history – former factories, hospitals, bunkers and other spaces which, for the duration of the review, become a stage for art, conversation and shared reflection on the present day.
This year’s location, the former Department of Psychiatry and Nervous Diseases of WMU, is one of Wrocław’s most interesting medical complexes. It was established in the early 20th century and for many years served as an important center for research into the human mind and nervous system. Distinguished doctors and scientists worked here, including Alois Alzheimer.
Admission to the event is free. Registration via the Evenea platform is required for selected program events.
Registration will open on 10 June 2026.
Opening hours:
26–28 June, Friday–Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
29–30 June, Monday–Tuesday: 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
More information and the full program are available at: www.survival.art.pl