BUFFALO, NY – The Permanent Chair of Polish Culture at Canisius University, the Kosciuszko Foundation and Just Buffalo Literary Center will present “Encounters with Polish Literature and Cultural Diplomacy” featuring David A. Goldfarb, PhD, on Friday, September 4, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Grupp Fireside Lounge of the Richard E. Winter ’42 Student Center at Canisius University, 2001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14208. The event is free and open to the public.
Goldfarb is a scholar, educator and cultural advocate whose work focuses on Polish literature, translation and cultural exchange. Through his teaching, writing and public programming, he has promoted greater understanding of Polish and Eastern European culture.
During his September 4 event, Goldfarb will explore the role of public and cultural diplomacy, examining how these practices differ from propaganda and how cultural diplomacy can serve as a form of “soft power.” His presentation will consider both the opportunities and challenges of using literature, the arts and cultural exchange to build international understanding.
The presentation will draw from Goldfarb’s experience as curator of literature and humanities at the Polish Cultural Institute in New York from 2010-2013, as well as his work producing the monthly video series “Encounters with Polish and Ukrainian Literature.” Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, the series has grown into an educational and diplomatic project examining the connections between literature, culture and global affairs.
Goldfarb will also discuss how American cultural institutions can participate in cultural diplomacy initiatives and how this field can provide career opportunities for humanities students interested in foreign languages, history and international cultures.
For more information, contact Dr. Margaret Stefanski at @email.
Canisius University was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
