Wisława Szymborska, Anna Kaczmarz/Reporter/East News
The last will and testament of Nobel laureate Wisława Szymborska was revealed in Kraków, establishing a foundation in her name and a literary prize for latter-day talents
Wisława Szymborska's personal secretary Michał Rusinek and attorney Marek Bukowski announced the news at a press conference on the 29th of February - four weeks after her passing. Aside from private matters covered by the will, the public was informed about those sections of the will that related to the literary legacy of the poet, with a foundation established to manage the poet's archive of works, her personal library and personal effects, including copyrights to her works and the financial gains from future publications. The members of the primary board of the foundation are to be: Professor Teresa Walas, attorney Mark Bukowski and Michael Rusinek.
Rusinek explained that the shape of the literary award of Szymborska has not yet been clearly defined, but that establishing that shape is one of the most significant matters the board will address as it begins its work. There are also ideas of establishing a museum of literature dedicated to the poet in the city of Kraków. Michał Rusinek shared that the idea for such a museum had been spoken of over many years, but that it had never had the chance to come to fruition and that she'd entrusted the project to the foundation. He assured the foundation's full cooperation within the project and that Szymborska's archives would be handed over.
Deputy Mayor Magdalena Sroka declared that "such a place is needed. So many brilliant writers worked, and continue to work, in Kraków, their archives are often scattered after their deaths and their families are not able to organise them properly, nor provide a scholarly context or exposition".
Wislawa Szymborska passed away on the 1st of February, 2012. She was buried in the family tomb in Rakowicki Cemetery in Krakow.
Source: PAP, wiadomosci.gazeta.pl