concept for more efficient support of the arts in 2007–2013 - Divadlo.cz

III.
Concept for More Efficient Support
of the Arts in 2007–2013
Introduction
Art is a fundamental part of human life and culture. It contributes to the formation of our
identity and plays an important role in shaping the values that are recognised and respected in
any given society. Art is considered a force that has the power to transform man and society
and to introduce new ideas, stimuli, and ways of thinking, about ourselves and about the society
we live in, and it creates new opportunities for ongoing personal and social development.
Art shapes and forms our cultural heritage. It is a treasured and precious asset, manifesting
talent, creativity and personal disposition, and as such it is protected and conserved and
its development supported.
non-commerical artistic exchanges, and the preservation of cultural heritage the Czech Republic
is helping to shape the European cultural space. 6
The presentation and promotion of the arts and culture beyond the borders of the country
is an important foreign policy tool. 7 At a time when there is increasing need for intercultural
communication the arts contribute enormously to fostering an understanding between different
cultures. They help mitigate and overcome international disputes and conflicts, surmount
language barriers and obstacles, and encourage the development of political, economic and human
contacts between peoples and states.
An arts sector that evolves with diversity and vigour is a precondition for a quality civil
society and thus for the quality of life of us all. Given the fact that the basic precondition for artistic
creation is freedom of creative expression, works of art and their reflection in society are
generally perceived as an indicator of the quality of democracy and civil society in a
country.
The arts and culture in general enhance the public sphere by improving the quality of life
and they are an integral component of sustainable development 2 and the conditions conducive
to the stability of society. Arts regenerate society, articulate and interpret knowledge,
shape life styles, fulfil an identifying function, are a source of entertainment and leisure-time activity,
contribute to the mental and physical health of the population and the overall social environment
in the country, and are a medium that appeals to young people and helps shield them
against the effects of various negative influences and dependencies. They are also an important
factor in combatting and deterring the emergence of socio-pathological phenomena, such as
racism, ethnic hatred, and prejudices targeting the disabled, the ill, the elderly, and minorities,
while at the same time help to overcome and eliminate prejudice and intolerance.
The arts are also an important economic factor, 3 on which the development of new and
economically progressive fields, such as cultural and creative industry, depends. Works of art,
including architecture, and the institutes that house and exhibit them, are important destinations
of cultural tourism. The tourism sector obtains an income through the arts that in is similar in
economic character to an annuity. 4 Owing to the financial resources attached to art and art production,
the arts also help stimulate economic growth and development at the local level
through co-productions and through various forms of cooperation at the regional, supra-regional,
and international level, and involve important multiplication effects, manifested in the links
and ties to all sorts of other services that are generated through art.
Support for the arts is based on the commitment to protect and cultivate inherited cultural,
material, and intellectual wealth and to foster the Czech Republic’s development while observing
the inviolable values of human dignity and freedom. 5 By supporting cultural production,
2 See the National Sustainable Development Strategy of the Czech Republic (Resolution No. 1242 of the
Government of the Czech Republic dated 8 th December 2004).
3 See the Economic Growth Strategy of the Czech Republic (Resolution No. 1500 of the Government of the
Czech Republic dated 16 th November 2005).
4 Ibid.
5 See the Preamble to the Constitution of the Czech Republic
6 See the Treaty of Amsterdam, ratified by all EU member states, which came into effect on 1 st May 1999.
7 See the Concept for the Unified Presentation of the Czech Republic (Resolution No. 74 of the Government
of the Czech Republic dated 19 th January 2005).
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