PAA Pagart

PAA Pagart is an abbreviation for the former "Polska Agencja Artystyczna" (Polish Artistic Agency). It was established by the ordinance of the Minister of Culture and Art of December 31, 1956, which entered into force on February 1, 1957. It was liquidated on November 15, 1992 on the basis of an order of the Ministry of Culture and Art in order to privatize the enterprise. Instead, the Polish Artistic Agency "Pagart" Spółka z oo in Warsaw was established. In its operation it was directly subordinate to the Ministry of Culture and Art. The main goal of the agency was to serve the socialist Polish culture and to implement the principles of the state's cultural policy. In addition, the subject of its activity was programming, organizing and implementing artistic exchange with foreign countries in the field of events, as well as organizing concerts and stage events in the then socialist Poland. There also was the promotion of young artists, the production of advertising and information publications, sale and purchase of licenses for the reproduction of artistic works and other services commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and Art, creative associations, artistic enterprises, cooperatives and directly by artists or their representatives. The agency could also conclude contracts with foreign contractors on its own behalf and for its own account in accordance with the relevant regulations. It was the main organizational managers of all major events and festivals in the People's Republic of Poland. Between 1957 and 1992 Pagart had been managing all Polish artists, handling all their contracts, determining fees, and also deciding which artists would be allowed to play abroad. Without the backing of Pagart it was impossible for Polish musicians to have an international career.