Mar 11 • 13:55 UTC 🇨🇿 Czechia Deník N

"Instead of combustion engines, let's start culture." Hundreds of students and artists demonstrated in Prague

Students and artists in Prague protested against cuts in cultural funding and voiced their concerns over the future of the arts in the country.

In Prague, hundreds of students and artists gathered to protest against proposed cuts to cultural funding, reflecting broader concerns over the future of the arts in the Czech Republic. The demonstration was organized by a newly formed independent initiative called 'Stojíme za kulturou!' which criticized the government's current approach to cultural policy and emphasized the importance of preserving artistic disciplines. Students from various artistic fields came together to voice their dissent and assert the need for competent support in the cultural sector.

The protest took place in Malostranské náměstí, near the House of Commons, where participants filled the square and engaged in a series of speeches that highlighted the detrimental impact of budget cuts on cultural institutions and the arts community. The atmosphere was charged as speakers from various artistic backgrounds expressed their anxieties and called for a more supportive governmental stance regarding culture. This event underscores a growing movement among young artists and students who are taking a stand against policies they perceive as harmful to the cultural landscape of the country.

As Minister of Culture Oto Klempíř awaited discussions regarding this year’s budget in a parliamentary chamber, the demonstrators made their voices heard outside, creating a stark contrast between government deliberations and the public's urgent concerns. The protests signify a crucial moment for the cultural sector in the Czech Republic, as students and artists advocate for the recognition and preservation of their fields against the backdrop of financial austerity.

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