The Culture Shock Foundation has been working since 2010 to advance the creative and professional development of individuals working in NGOs and GLAM, especially women and LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in the NGO, cultural and creative sectors.
Our mission is to support the building and development of self-awareness, creativity and digital skills to strengthen the resilience of people and organizations to the dynamic changes taking place in today’s world.
To this end, we create educational and cultural events (workshops, trainings, conferences), design digital products (e-courses, mobile and web applications).
At the core of our activities is a holistic approach — we pay attention to the potential that lies within people, the environment in which they live and the technologies they use.
Our interdisciplinary team works with innovative methods and techniques, combining art, science, ITC, and psychology:
About us
- design thinking,
- agile,
- universal design,
- digital storytelling,
- creative writing,
- slam poetry,
- STEAM model for building the competencies of the future and supporting informed entry into the professions of tomorrow.
Our areas of expertise
Anti-burnout prevention
We show what to do in order not to burn yourself out. Working in the 3rd sector or in a cultural institution requires passion and commitment. It’s worth knowing how not to lose it! Take our free test to determine your level of burnout.
Third sector well-being
We care about the mental well-being of people working in the 3rd sector and in cultural institutions. We conduct workshops, individual and group coaching, change processes – all to make your work lighter and better! Check out our Services.
Research and reports
As part of our ongoing projects, we have conducted more than a dozen studies in the areas of new technologies and professional burnout. Check out our reports and publications.
Digital skills and media literacy
We are familiar with new technologies, holistically supporting the digital skills of those working in the NGO and GLAM sectors. Sign up for our free course on designing cultural offerings using new Mobile Culture technologies.
Holistic approach to new technologies
For years we have been showing people working in cultural institutions and NGOs how to creatively and effectively use and design free digital tools (including AI). Check out our Services.
Our team
Paulina Jędrzejewska
Trainer, coach, sociologist, manager. She supports teams of social organizations and public institutions in the process of implementing well-being changes. Teaches how to use technology wisely. Co-author of research, publications and educational materials on such topics as professional burnout and mental toughness. She holds a Mental Toughness MTQPlus license.
Sylwia Żółkiewska
DR (doctor of fine arts), designer, lecturer (UW, PJATK) and new media expert. Has over 17 years of experience in creating digital tools (websites, apps, games). She gives lectures, workshops and trainings on how to apply new technologies (including AI) in NGOs and institutions. Two-time grantee of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Laureate of the 100' List of the SPRUC Broad Alliance for Digital Skills (2019).
Karolina Pluta
She conducts workshops, creative processes and individual sessions. She is familiar with counteracting professional burnout, mediating teams in cultural institutions and implementing socio-artistic projects. Creates publications, research and recommendations for institutions and NGOs. Combines education with art, uses tools such as body work, impro, NVC, creative writing.
Agata Gieryn
Certified Gestalt psychotherapist, psychologist and group trainer. She specializes in the prevention of burnout among activists and those working in cultural institutions, offering individual support and leading support groups and development workshops. She conducts psychological consultations, support groups and workshops.
Noemi Gryczko
A sociologist, musician and manager by training.She emboldens companies and institutions to create innovations, experiment with engaging forms of online learning and reach for more.She teaches how to use new technologies (including AI) to engage students, employees and conference attendees. Laureate of the 100' List of the SPRUC Broad Alliance for Digital Skills (2020).
Patrycja Żołędowska
Strategist, designer and UX lecturer at SWPS University. She applies her skills and practical experience to the development of accessible digital products and services. She specializes in designing solutions based on a human-centered design approach, taking care of accessibility, usability and positive user experience. In her work, she combines technological expertise with an empathetic approach to audience needs.
Ada Borowska
She supports the day-to-day operations of the Foundation by coordinating administrative tasks, managing internal communications, and assisting with project logistics. She plays a key role in ensuring the smooth running of activities, helping to organize meetings, monitor project timelines, and maintain documentation. In addition, she actively participates in clearing projects, supporting reporting processes, and facilitating communication between the management board and project teams.
Olga Perzyna
A polish philologist, culture expert and art therapist. At the Foundation, she is responsible for public relations activities and managing social media. Privately, she is a member of the less waste cooperative and passionate about furniture restoration.
Wacław Marat
A graduate of the Illustration Studio and the Multimedia Artistic Creation Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw in 2015, his works were shown with honors, among others, at the Debut Film Festival in Koszalin, Young and Film, or at the group exhibition at the Zachęta Gallery in Warsaw. He shares his work for an advertising agency with designing books, illustrations and animated films.
Piotr Grabowski
Founder and Chairman of the Culture Shock Foundation. Law and Culture Marketing graduate, financier. Enthusiast of art in public space. From birth residing at Skarpa Warszawska whose “reactivation” is a personal goal of his foundation activities.
Maciej Turczyniak
Archaeologist by education, programmer by passion and profession. For many years associated with non-governmental organizations in the field of culture. Enthusiast of Open Source ideas. In between programming he deals with digital retouching and preparing photos for print.
Mikołaj Bibiański
Editor, cinematographer, history and automotive enthusiast. In his spare time he peels couches, carpets and sweaters from the fur of his pets. He dreams of vanlife, living in harmony with nature and a bigger bookshelf.