Vesna, a historic Czech women’s association, now bankrupt

The Czech women's association Vesna, whose origins date back to 1870, has gone bankrupt. Instead of celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding, the Brno non-profit is meeting with creditors in late August, Commercial and Insolvency Register documents show.

Initially established as a girls’ choir, Vesna grew to focus on educating girls and women in the Czech language and providing lessons in Czech, history, teaching, pedagogy, and practical handiwork.

Vesna soon became a major educational institution, cooperating with various cultural figures, including Leoš Janáček, who gave lectures there. His daughter Olga attended the institution and his wife Zdenka helped organise some activities. By 1918, Vesna had built 13 schools.

Until at least 2018, Vesna was organising regular courses, exhibitions, lectures, trips and suburban camps for girls. The Regional Court in Brno ruled Vesna bankrupt in June and gave other creditors two months to file claims. A review and subsequent creditors’ meeting is scheduled for 31 August.