A shortage of rehearsal space and difficult financing conditions: these are the main problems facing the independent art scene. That is why together with Studio Alta and other signatories of the appeal to preserve Alta we have decided to actively resolve the situation.

 

Statement

A meeting of the Councillor for Culture of the Prague City Hall, Hana Třeštková, with the authors of letters in support of ALTA and a call to address the absence of rehearsal space for the independent art scene (Lúcia Kašiárová, Marie Kinsky, Yvona Kreuzmannová, Adriana Světlíková, Jiří Šimek) was held on Monday, 2 December 2019.

Together we agreed that:

• Live art and its irreplaceable position in society is seen by both parties as a matter of course, with the awareness that it fulfils an important function for public affairs, brings valuable impulses, promotes a healthy and full life, and as such deserves the support of the city and the state. 

• The independent art scene in Prague, as well as in other places in the Czech Republic and Europe, is struggling with financing problems and with securing suitable premises. A quality artistic process requires space and time, such as that provided by Studio ALTA, whose move to unsuitable premises is an alarming situation for many artists. Other entities supporting independent artists do not have enough space or funds, however long they are looking for viable solutions. The city representatives therefore decided to also contact their contributory organizations to offer their rehearsal space to independent art.

• The intention of the new city management and Councillor for Culture, Hana Třeštíková, is to address long-unsolved problems, increase the support of the performing arts and contribute to the existential stability of the independent art scene. The independent scene works in synergy, becoming a partner for the city, and together the two sides will work on systemic change and a long-term vision that will be part of the city's cultural policy.

• In October, the first roundtable meeting between Hana Třeštíková and representatives of the independent dance scene took place, in which the main neuralgic points were set out, on which both sides are now working and will continue their cooperation. The next meeting will take place in the first quarter of next year.

• At the same time, both representatives of the city and representatives of the independent scene realize that long-term existential certainty will be ensured only by stable financing and state support for the performing arts. Both sides have appealed to the state; Hana Třeštíková sent a letter to Minister of Culture Lubomír Zaorálek a few weeks ago. Similarly, the representatives of the independent dance scene contacted the Minister of Culture regarding the intention to build professional facilities for creation and presentation.

• Both sides see the fundamental creative potential and benefits of the independent art scene for the development of cultural tourism and image, and for the representation of Prague and the Czech Republic abroad.

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