21 MAY 2026 | MAIN CAMPUS OF UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW
The largest multicultural event at our university, which attracts great interest every year, is returning in a completely refreshed format. We invite you to join the Multicultural Team and help co-create a vibrant programme built around a wide range of cultural activities.
Do you have an idea and would like to share your creativity and knowledge with the University of Warsaw community? Get involved! Your cultural activity can explore any aspect of your culture – from traditions, language and art, to customs, places of interest, or handcrafts. It is up to you what you feel is worth sharing with others. The key is to make it engaging, inspiring and creative.
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Below you will find detailed information about the application process – we encourage you to read it carefully.
What do we mean by an “activity”?
By an “activity”, we mean a presentation of selected, specific elements of a culture, such as crafts, art, language, music, dance, everyday practices or traditions, ideally delivered in a way that actively engages participants. This could take the form of a display, a shared hands-on experience, or another interactive format that encourages engagement and offers a deeper understanding of a given cultural element.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from students, doctoral candidates, and staff of the University of Warsaw, as well as participants of the Foundation Year programme.
Applications may be submitted individually or by a team of up to three people.
Organisational details
- Activities will take place in 3 × 3 m tents on the Main Campus of University of Warsaw (click and see sample photos from previous editions).
- A budget of 300 PLN per activity is available for materials.
- Presentations will be scheduled in 1,5-hour time slots, with an additional 30 minutes allocated for preparation. There are a total of 12 slots to be filled.
- Those leading the activities are expected to be present for the entire duration of their assigned slot.
- The event has a walk-in format, so participants will join on an ongoing basis. Therefore, the activity should not run continuously for the full one and a half hours, but instead be designed so that participants can join at any time.
Guidelines for preparing activities
We want Cultural HotSpot to be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Therefore, the following are not permitted in the tents:
- Content of an agitational, political, or religious nature,
- Animals,
- Dangerous items (e.g., weapons, pyrotechnics, alcohol, tobacco products, drugs),
- Food prepared personally or ordered from restaurants.
Please also ensure that any materials or works presented during your activity comply with copyright law (Act of 4 February 1994 on Copyright and Related Rights).
Only the individuals listed in the activity proposal form may lead the presentation – participation of external partners (e.g., embassies, companies, or NGOs) is not allowed.
How to apply?
To submit your idea, please complete the form: https://forms.gle/hAR4j3M1WhnrTCVL6
Deadline: 23 April 2026, 23:59 (Thursday)
Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Criteria for selecting activity proposals
Applications will be evaluated by a three-person panel representing the organisers – the Volunteer Centre of UW, Welcome Point, and the Students’ Union of the University of Warsaw.
The selection process consists of two stages:
1. Formal assessment
In the first step, we check whether the application meets the basic requirements:
- The form has been completed and submitted on time,
- The applicant(s) are registered as students, doctoral candidates, staff, or participants in the Foundation Year programme at the University of Warsaw (verified via USOS),
- The proposed activity complies with the event guidelines (e.g., does not include agitational, political, or religious content).
2. Content assessment
If the application passes the formal check, it proceeds to the substantive evaluation. This considers the idea and its suitability for the event, taking into account:
- Clarity and quality of the idea
- Appeal to participants
- Alignment with the character of the event (key criterion)
- Level of engagement of the applicant(s)
- Feasibility of the idea within the available conditions
Each category is scored from 0 to 4 points. The criterion “alignment with the character of the event” is scored double. The maximum possible score is 72 points. The minimum score required to qualify is 37 points.
Twelve highest-scoring proposals will be selected. The organisers reserve the right to choose fewer applications if the minimum score is not met.
If more than three activities with the same number of points are qualified for a single time slot, acceptance is determined by the order of submission. The remaining activities are placed on a waiting list.
Applicants will be informed about the results by email on 4 May.
Those who take part in preparing and leading an activity at Miasteczko na Styku Kultur – Cultural HotSpot UW will receive a certificate and a gift pack.
The organisers will provide both practical and technical support during preparation, as well as snacks and drinks on the day of the event.
LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION?
We invite you to a creative workshop designed to help you develop or refine your activity idea, so you can submit the strongest possible application! This meeting is also a fantastic opportunity to meet others from different countries and cultures who are part of the Miasteczko na Styku Kultur – Cultural HotSpot UW community.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at: chs@wolontariat.uw.edu.pl