Marta Cienkowska faces criticism over fashion show funding

Polish Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska is facing criticism following her appearance as a model in a fashion show organized by the Kraina Foundation. The controversy centers on the fact that the foundation received 148,193 PLN in funding from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage for its ‘ReFashioned 2026’ project.

Opposition figures, including PiS deputy spokesperson Mateusz Kurzajewski and media personality Krzysztof Stanowski, have questioned the use of taxpayer money, suggesting the minister’s participation in an event funded by her own ministry is inappropriate. Kurzajewski remarked that while the minister may have fulfilled a dream of being a model, it was done ‘with your taxes.’

In response to the allegations, Cienkowska stated that the funding was allocated to the entirety of the ReFashioned program, which supports designers and artists with migration experience through workshops and mentoring. She also clarified that she participated in the fashion show without receiving any personal remuneration.