‘NEW WAVE Theatre Development Foundation was established in 2009 in Warsaw on the initiative of Agata Życzkowska – an actress, director, choreographer, dance curator, educator, and producer. The Foundation aims to support and bring together artists associated with theatre, dance, and culture. Its vision is a world in which culture strengthens intergenerational social bonds through traditions related to the art of theatre and dance, as well as dialogue with these traditions in contemporary forms. According to its statute, the Foundation pursues its goals through the production and presentation of performances by the HOTELOKO Company and by organizing projects, particularly in the fields of contemporary dance, experimental choreography, performance, and physical theatre.

Since 2019, the Foundation has organized the event NOC TAŃCA / FALA TAŃCA (NIGHT OF DANCE / WAVE OF DANCE), which showcases short and diverse works in contemporary dance and performance by both emerging and established artists. Initiated by Agata Życzkowska, since 2021 the Foundation has also been organizing a contemporary dance festival in Warsaw: U:NEW Dance Wave Festival (formerly known as International Movement Festival U:NEW in its first two years). The program has featured stage works and choreographic pieces as well as 21 video dance films, presented in collaboration with artists from Poland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ukraine, the USA, Mexico, Belarus, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. The festival also includes dance workshops and artist talks.

One of the Foundation’s priorities is to expand its international collaborations. Implementing educational European projects in Warsaw in partnership with organizations across Europe is a key focus. Between 2020 and 2025, the Foundation has delivered international projects including: Dance Highways, Viral Visions – Deconstructing Art Immunity, In.To.Da.Te. – Innovative Tools for Dance Teachers, and CODASI – Contemporary Dance for Sustainability and Inclusion.

The Foundation collaborates with cultural institutions in Warsaw, including the Culture Promotion Centre in Praga-Południe (CPK), Ochota Culture Centre (OKO), and the Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute. A vital part of the Foundation’s mission is the democratization of access to theatre and dance arts in line with the idea of “Accessible Culture” (KULTURA DOSTĘPNA) – all events organized by the Foundation are free of charge.