Shared Stories

Poland is the only EU country with a full-time diplomatic presence in Northern Ireland. For two years, Mariusz Stus* led the Polish Consulate in Belfast, fostering strong ties with the Polish diaspora and promoting Polish culture. Known for his approachability, Mariusz shares the highlights of his tenure as Consul General of Poland in Belfast in this exclusive interview.

In this inspiring video, we sit down with Anita Hope, who moved from Poland to Northern Ireland in 2005 with her then-fiancé, now husband, in search of better life. Anita shares her incredible journey from working as a shop assistant in a small market in Poland to realising her long-held dream of becoming a professional photographer. She delves into the challenges and triumphs of starting a photography business in Northern Ireland, highlighting how her new environment provided the perfect backdrop for her creative aspirations to flourish. Join us as Anita recounts her story of perseverance, passion, and the beautiful blend of cultural experiences that have shaped her family's life in Northern Ireland.

Join us for an insightful interview with Arkady Rzegocki, the Polish Ambassador to Ireland. Serving from September 2023 to July 2024, Ambassador Rzegocki has played a crucial role in enhancing cultural and economic ties between Poland and Ireland. Drawing on his extensive diplomatic experience, including his tenure as the Polish Ambassador to the UK, he shares his expertise on cultural diplomacy and the significance of Polish-Irish relations. Don't miss this exclusive conversation filmed on the eve of his departure from Ireland.

Ever wondered how the wave of Polish migration to Northern Ireland started? Dive into the fascinating backstory of how local recruitment agencies, like Grafton Recruitment, played a pivotal role in filling the labour market gaps. In 2004, many local factories struggled to find full-time staff. Recruitment agencies expanded their search to include new EU states, focusing on Poland. Discover how Grafton Recruitment, with its Polish branch, brought thousands of skilled Polish workers to the UK, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Join us as Ken Belshaw, co-founder of Grafton Recruitment, shares his personal experiences and insights into this historical migration process. Don't miss this intriguing story!

Join us for an insightful interview with Ignacy, who arrived in Northern Ireland as a child and has since forged a diverse and impressive career. With degrees in Biomedical Science and Law, Ignacy’s journey took him to the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Belfast, where he engaged in significant cross-cultural initiatives, including Polish Saturday Schools and promoting the historical contributions of Poles in Northern Ireland. Now employed at Baker McKenzie Belfast Centre, Ignacy is eager to share his experiences of adapting to a new environment, overcoming challenges, and making the most out of every opportunity. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from someone who has successfully navigated both educational and professional landscapes while maintaining strong cultural ties.

What began as a quick way to raise funds for higher education became the start of Artur's professional football coaching career, facing top names in European football. Shortly after arriving in Northern Ireland, Artur Kopyt followed his passion for football, playing at all levels from casual games in Ormeau Park to competing in the NIFL Premiership. His professional career took off as he became a football coach, gaining experience with Sparta Belfast and running a Polish youth program for Glentoran FC. After 15 fruitful years in Northern Ireland, Artur moved on to an assistant coach role at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, one of Belgium's most successful teams. He is now building his legacy on both national and international levels, including this year's Europa League competition.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring academic journey of Professor Piotr Blumczynski, who brought his exceptional skills and knowledge to Northern Ireland in 2010. Currently a professor at the Centre for Translation and Interpreting, Queen’s University Belfast, Piotr has significantly contributed to the fields of Translation and Intercultural Studies both locally and internationally. In this video, Piotr shares his experiences of moving to Northern Ireland, his extensive involvement in research projects and his impactful roles at Queen's University Belfast.

Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Ewa Grosman, CEO of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building and founder of the Fellowship Programme in Northern Ireland. From advising in the House of Lords to launching Polish Cultural Week and combating hate crime, Ewa’s achievements are extraordinary. Dive into her story of leadership, cultural diplomacy, and her passion for promoting Polish culture. Discover her two-decade experience shaping Northern Ireland’s cultural landscape. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of dedication and impact!

Join us as we sit down with Jeremiasz Ojrzyński at the Belfast Exposed Gallery during the 2024 MFA exhibition to discuss his multifaceted journey in Northern Ireland. Jeremiasz first arrived in Northern Ireland as a volunteer for an international charity and later returned to pursue his MFA in Photography at the University of Ulster. In this candid interview, Jeremiasz shares his experiences and insights from an international student’s perspective. He delves into the nuances of local culture and how his time in Belfast has profoundly shaped his understanding of space and people. Don’t miss this insightful conversation to learn more about his unique journey and the artistic contributions showcased in the MFA exhibition.