Václavské náměstí 816/49
11000 Prague
Czechia
- Arts
- Democracy and community development
- Environment/Sustainable development
- International/Cultural relations
The Czech Centres are a contributory organisation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. They are an integral part of Czech foreign policy and a key cultural diplomacy tool. They operate within the public diplomacy domain, whose mission is to promote and support the good reputation of Czechia abroad and to strengthen cultural relations between countries. The Czech Centres are a cultural institute understanding culture in its broadest sense. They also provide Czech language classes abroad and participate in organising certified language exams. The Czech Centres have been an integral part of the EUNIC (The European Union National Institutes for Culture) network since its establishment in 2006. At present, there are 26 branches across 4 continents. The organisation has appx. 83 employees. Organizes more than 1700 events per year globally with various partners. The annaul budget is 10mil EUR.
Czech Centres by the nature of their activities, the Czech Centres are the key actor representing the Czech Republic abroad and
the main institutional mediator of cultural interactions and building of relationships with international audiences. The Czech Centres link
significant actors of the Czech social and cultural life with relevant partners in foreign countries. In various territorial contexts they address a broad range of target groups and are an open platform for internternational cooperation and cultural dialogue.
The Czech Centres promote the Czech cultural scene (visual art, architecture, design, fashion, film, music, theatre, literature) in the world. The Czech Centres present the Czech Republic as a modern country with a rich cultural tradition. The programme strategy includes both global themes and the modern identity of the Czech Republic. In addition to a number of other activities, this includes the strengthening
of the Czech Republic’s image as a modern and innovative country firmly embedded in European structures; a country that responds
to the challenges of the current world.
In the area of education, science, research and innovation, the Czech Centres cooperate with universities and specialized institutions and organize courses of Czech. Czech language courses and education in general are supported by methodological and quantitative development and preparation of new types of courses according to territorial specificities, promotion of the Czech language by means
of cultural events and social ties and cooperation with Czech studies departments and universities in the Czech Republic and foreign territories.
In the area of supporting external economic relations, the Czech Centres link foreign cultural presentations with significant Czech export brands. They seek for export opportunities for Czech creative industries.
The Czech Centers as a network of cultural institutes that promote the Czech Republic abroad. They also cooperate with other Czech institutions and organizations. The Czech Centers can contribute to the Network of Anna Lindh Foundation by:
- Organizing and supporting events and projects that foster intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between the Czech Republic and the countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region.
- Providing information and resources about the Czech culture, society, history, and current affairs to the public and the media in the Euro-Mediterranean region.
- Facilitating contacts and exchanges between Czech and Euro-Mediterranean civil society actors, such as NGOs, universities, schools, artists, curators, journalists, etc.
- Participating in the activities and initiatives of the Network of Anna Lindh Foundation, such as the Euro-Med Forum, the Young Mediterranean Voices programme, the Anna Lindh Report on Intercultural Trends and Social Change, etc.
The Czech Centers aim to foster dialogue and cooperation with other countries and regions, especially in the fields of culture, education, science and innovation. Within the ALF platform wwe want to become partner for civil society organizations from the Euro-Mediterranean region and to share a common vision of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
By joining the Ann Lindh Foundation Network, the Czech Centers hope to expand their reach and impact in the Mediterranean area, as well as to exchange best practices and experiences with other members of the network. The Czech Centers believe that joining the Ann Lindh Foundation Network will enhance their role as a bridge between cultures and contribute to the development of a more peaceful and inclusive society.