The general opinion is that anyone can criticize others. A deeper reflection and careful assessment reveals that the phenomenon of musical critique is a rare ability. Even more rare is the ability to make an original judgment in such a way that it attracts attention of casual readers. The KROPKA Polish Music Critic Competition seeks to evaluate and promote the critics who devote themselves to music by placing their work among the most important elements of today’s reality – ones that allow us to discern and actively participate in it. Now in its second edition, KROPKA [Period] is a competition, which – despite its name – has nothing to do with termination. The aim of the competition is to show criticism as a process, work that is done not only by established career critics but also by young, developing authors, and by those who have gained experience in the field. KROPKA is open to authors who work in Poland as well as those who write about Polish music abroad, whether in academic journals or online, in zines or opinion magazines.
To take part in the competition please send your papers to kropka@fundacjameakultura.pl. The deadline is February 22, 2016.
Results will be announced on April 15, 2016, followed by an award ceremony on May 12, 2016 at PWM, the Polish Music Publishing House in Kraków. Competition regulations and more information can be found at fundacjameakultura.pl/kropka.
Prizes (statuettes and diploma) will be awarded in three categories:
- First Prize for the best text about music published in 2015 – three equivalent awards will be given in this category.
- Distinctions: for a debutant, i..e., a person who has not completed studies related to music and does not work professionally in the field of journalism; and for a bloggeror a person who maintains a Polish weblog about music
- Special Award for a text on Polish music published outside the country.
Other awards introduced for the 2015 edition:
- Piotr Metz Individual Award for article about popular music
- Editor in Chief of PWM House Award
- Foundation MEAKULTURA Award for outstanding achievements in the field of music criticism
First Prize is intended to honor and bring to a wider audience individuals who are important for Polish music criticism and who are often undervalued or simply unknown outside a small circle of listeners of one type of music. The aim of the competition is the development of appropriate models for music criticism by promoting authorities in this field and increasing the level of criticism, which, in popular media, is often written by incompetent people. The purpose of the competition is also drawing attention to young authors for whom it is often very difficult to find their place in this environment. KROPKA provides an excellent opportunity for the young generation of critics to demonstrate their skills to a wider audience.
The Distinctions are a chance for enthusiasts of criticism to test their abilities and to confront with other authors. Their achievements will be evaluated by the outstanding specialists in the field of music critic. Blogging is becoming an increasingly popular way of sharing opinions about music as well. However, it is often marginalized in the general perception—KROPKA seeks to change this perception and show appreciation for this form of expression.
The Special Award is addressed to authors who do not have Polish citizenship and publish articles beyond the Polish border. This category is supposed to present the achievements of foreign musicologists and journalists who have devoted their work to researching and promoting Polish music in the world, and knowledge about them in our country is often minimal.
The KROPKA Organizing Committee is made up of Polish scientists, doctoral students and outstanding students of the humanities. The Jury consists of remarkable personalities that shape the most important events of cultural life in Poland. KROPKA is organized by the Meakultura Foundation and supported by the Polish Society of Authors and Composers ZAiKS.
All critical writers, as well as related institutions and companies, are invited to participate in and support KROPKA, in order to raise the level of music journalism for all.
[Sources: press release, fundacjameakultura.pl/kropka]