The Song and Dance Ensemble "Silesianie" of the University of Economics in Katowice was formed in 1977 on the initiative of the then Rector – prof. dr hab. Zbigniew Messner. Since it was created, the Ensemble has been actively participating in the national and international folk life. The Song and Dance Ensemble "Silesianie" performed during various concerts inside and outside the country, as well as during 60 international folk festivals all over the world. We should particularly mention a few performances, such as the concert in Vatican City – at the audience of the Holy Father Jan Paweł II, in Korea as a folk representative of Poland during the FIFA World Cup, in China – during the Expo fair, in India and Brazil. "Silesianie" is composed of a dance and vocal group and a musical ensemble. The Ensemble released three albums: "Pastorałki", "Z muzyką przez Śląsk" and "Silesianie, hu-cha!" – which is the most popular. Due to the continued cooperation with various Polish folk experts, the Ensemble has an extensive repertoire. The group also participates in various charity initiatives and help the ill and those in need. The most important initiatives include concerts at the Cordis Hospice and the series of concerts across Poland under the motto "Bands of the heart" ["Kapele serc"], which provide support for persons suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS). The Song and Dance Ensemble "Silesianie" is also engaged in teaching activities.  The following conferences are organized on a regular basis: "Business in culture – culture in business", seminars and workshops on national dances and Silesian dances, intended for dance teachers and instructors, which aim to disseminate practical and theoretical knowledge of Polish folk and national dances and to show how to carry out activities in cultural institutions. Moreover, the instructors and members of the Ensemble conduct folklore lessons in nursery schools and general education schools. "Silesianie" also organize all-Poland Silesian dance competitions "Trojak" [Trio] and Polish dance contests "Śląski Diament" [Silesian Diamond].  The Ensemble is a member of the  International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF). 

The Ensemble participated in the following contests and festivals several times:

Bydgoszcz – BIM (2017), Jasło (1987, 1989), Katowice MSFF (2009), Kołobrzeg – Interfolk (2012), Olecko (2018), Olsztyn (2008), Płock (1988), Sokołów Podlaski (2010), Szydłowiec (2008), Warszawa – Warsfolk (2006, 2013), Albania (2014), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2012), Brazil (1997), Bulgaria(1993), China (2010), Northern Cyprus (1999), the Czech Republic (2009, 2011, 2018), Denmark (2004), France (1990, 1992, 1996, 1997, 2009, 2011), India (2014), Jordan and Israel (2000), South Korea (2001, 2002), Lithuania (2007), Mexico (2018), Germany (2004, 2015), Nigeria (2003), Portugal (1990, 1991), Russia (2013), Romania (2015), Serbia (2012, 2015), Slovenia (2016), Syria (1995, 1997, 2001), Taiwan (2001), Turkey (1993, 1998, 2010, 2013), Ukraine (2011), Hungary (1998, 1999, 2005, 2014, 2017), Italy (1991 (Vatican City), 1994, 2005).