Prague residents would like to see more art in the streets

Prague is well known as a city full of theatres, concert halls, music clubs and galleries. All year round there are festivals in all fields of the arts. But is it sufficient? Does the city also give young artists enough space to develop their talent? And how about the contemporary art work that decorates some Prague streets and squares; does it deserve such prominent exposure? These and many other questions were brought up at a public debate this week.

Prague residents would like to see more art in the streets

Ivana Bursikova from the Agora Association, which organized the event, thinks that Prague really is a cultural city but she believes that many things could be improved.

"From my personal point of view, I am quite missing activities in streets which I know from other cities, and I am also missing very much a festival in summer. I liked very much the celebration of our joining the European Union called 'The United Islands'. Everybody was in the streets, it was warm, it was nice, people were enjoying themselves - it was great. So I would like to make the city much livelier. I like very much modern art, and I think we are quite behind other cities, like Berlin or London. So, I think we have to improve this."

Ivana Bursikova is a member of the Prague City Assembly. As an opposition party representative she disagrees with the grant providing process, which is not transparent enough in her view. To help things improve she decided to launch a project which formed part of the discussion.

"We've launched a longer project which already started by creating a project team, then we've had this debate, we've had opinion poll on video, which was screened here. We will also have expert round tables where experts will talk about their topics and will try to find solutions regarding their fields, such as music or theater. At the end there will be a festival where we present all the results. It should be supported by the city hall. I hope that all this work will finally lead to a formulation of a vision of Prague culture."

Pavel Andel is the well-known presenter of a TV talk show focused on culture. He was invited to chair the debate. I asked him how he perceived discussion about arts funding.

"I think this debate has shown that we lack people with a certain vision. I think the point is not to satisfy the 5% of culture-lovers - they will satisfy themselves. I think it's more important to attract the remaining 95% who just stay at home to watch the TV, and do not finds an incentive to set out for a culture life. If this kind of people come across an interesting art or theatre outside on the street, they might like it, and might look for it in the future. So I think it is important to create such an environment which offers them different possibilities and alternatives."

Pavel Andel says that he himself greatly enjoys Prague cultural life, but still cannot say that he quite satisfied.

"I am happy that a lot of much-frequented culture venues have grown up and survived in Prague. Whether it be theatres, music clubs or others, which have shown that they are run by capable people who have a vision and who managed to make them popular. On the other hand I'm missing here that kind of general culture - culture for everybody. It is that sort of culture that affects you on every corner. I think we lack a sort of New York Central Park. Here it isn't possible just to take a guitar and play somewhere. Every place belongs to someone who charges money for that. And that's what bothers me a lot."

Hilde Jansen, Cultural Councilor of the Dutch Embassy in Prague also took part in the debate.

"In my opinion Prague is definitely a city of culture. You can't miss it. Everywhere you walk, everywhere you look you see culture."

But what do you think about this debate then? There was lots of criticism said here. Many people criticized the current state of culture in Prague, that there are no chances for artists, especially regarding the 'street art' etc. What do you think of these remarks?

"I surely think that things should develop. I myself also miss some aspects here in cultural life. I think a lot has been done regarding cultural heritage, a lot regarding music - especially this year - 'The Year of Czech Music' - but what I miss are quality contemporary art galleries and design galleries. I think more opportunities for artists and galleries should be created. I'm speaking especially in terms of visual art."

The fierce debate showed that despite its cultural reputation Prague isn't always seen by its citizens as an ideal centre of culture. That's especially the case for young people. They ask for better support for contemporary artists as well as more art directly in the streets which would make the city livelier. Whether this dream will come true will depend above all on the people of Prague themselves.