Live Christmas music, a performance by children from the University Kindergarten, charity events and more than 30 exhibitors at the fair: on December 12, the Faculty of Social Sciences once again hosted the University Christmas Meeting, organised for the benefit of our university's academic community by the Centre for Student and Doctoral Activities and the Cooperation and International Relations Office.
‘I am extremely heartened by what I see here,’ said the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski. ‘Every year, not only the scope of our fair, but also the attendance is growing. I think we can say that the fair has already become a permanent feature of the University of Gdańsk's calendar of events.’
At the fair, UG students and employees presented the effects of their handicraft passions (and not only). This was the second time the fair was held in this format. This year, according to the Centre for Student and Doctoral Activities, a record number of exhibitors signed up, which meant that an extra level of the rotunda had to be used for the event. Each stand is a separate story!
Exhibitors were very enthusiastic about the opportunity to present their work in the friendly surroundings of the FSS. For some of them, this is their first outing to the public, while others have already had the opportunity to sell their wares on different occasions. And sometimes not just their own wares: ‘These are things made by my mother. My mother creates them more for herself, and I thought it was worth showing them to a wider audience,’ said Magda, one of the exhibitors.’
What could be found at the stalls? Hair accessories made in the spirit of zero-waste, soaps, candles (soy or beeswax), macramé, crochet products, small useful works of art made of glass or porcelain, amulets with elements of natural stone and wood, handmade jewellery, ‘alchemical’ herbal products and even prose and poetry. The fair provided an opportunity to discover the non-academic passions of UG students and staff.
The festive atmosphere was provided by live music and a performance by kindergarten children from the university's kindergarten. The children performed two songs and their performance was warmly received by the audience. Visitors were able to try their hand at gingerbread decorating or take photos in an atmospheric setting (proceeds went to charity). A snack of traditional pastries and a mug of hot borscht provided comfort.
Those who could not be at the Faculty of Social Sciences on December 12 and those who would like to experience the atmosphere of the University Christmas Party once again are invited to watch a video by Mateusz Byczkowski.