Exhibition of photos featuring men dressed as dogs
In Lublin, the Labirynt Gallery located inside a popular shopping center’s library is presenting a provocative photo exhibition titled Dogs Are People. The event includes a performance at the opening by a former stripper who is described as passionate about dance, eroticism, and sexuality. The gallery receives public funds and has been supported with a grant amounting to PLN 2 million for its operation.
The exhibition at the Azyl Library within the Plaza Gallery showcases controversial images of men dressed as dogs. The organizers say the photos echo themes seen during large public marches in Poland, including LGBT demonstrations in major cities like Warsaw.
Fetish culture remains a delicate topic in Poland, and pup play in particular often faces mischaracterizations as perverse or akin to bestiality. Puppy play has gained visibility over several years, with many participants identifying as men. The activity welcomes adults of all orientations and gender identities, though public discussion can still be charged and polarized.
The organizers note that the project intends to present fetish as art, aiming to be striking and visually compelling. The venue is the city library, a space accessible to all ages, including families and children. The vernissage is linked to the promotion of Malamute Kori, though the focus of the exhibit is not a dog but a performer who engages in dance and erotic expression.
Public funding and questions of use
The initiative is financed with municipal funds. Lublin City Hall allocated PLN 2 million for the exhibition as part of the Asylum Library project Queerujemy Lublin, supporting LGBTQIA community activities within the library framework.
The HerStory Foundation also received funds from the city treasury, totaling PLN 200,000, for a project described as Development Support Group. The phrase refers to efforts aimed at educating and engaging with LGBT and queer issues among youth and advancing equality across communities, including discussions about the relationships between humans and animals in cultural contexts.
In 2022, Lublin City Hall allocated more than PLN 62 million to NGOs, with a planned budget of PLN 55 million for 2023. The discussion around public funding for cultural and social projects is ongoing, with debates about how resources should be directed toward art, education, and inclusion while ensuring transparency and accountability for taxpayers.
Similar conversations occur in Warsaw, where municipal funds support a range of initiatives including projects that address inclusion and social policy. Critics argue for cautious use of public money and emphasize the importance of clear goals and measurable outcomes in funding decisions. Supporters contend that diverse cultural projects and education efforts contribute to social progress and civic engagement.
Additional programs in the capital include efforts to research and promote discussions about sexuality, sex work, and related social issues. Some funded projects have been described as educational or awareness-building, while others have attracted controversy and debate over aims and messaging. The broader question remains how public institutions balance cultural expression with community standards and public accountability.
The conversation around these topics reflects a broader national debate about culture, public funding, and the role of libraries and cultural centers in fostering dialogue about sexuality, identity, and inclusion. It is a reminder that publicly supported cultural spaces frequently become arenas where art, politics, and personal values intersect in complex ways.
Source: wPolityce