Make the importance of cultural diversity visible in official documents
The objective is to strengthen the position of cultural diversity in official documents. Objectives of the Convention 2005 have been implemented in the Czech Republic long before its accession in 2010, however the focus has to be done on the innovative approach, on the effectiveness of our proceedings and actions with an emphasis on the prevention and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
The most relevant documents which can create the frame for the development of cultural diversity are:
National Cultural Policy for the years 2009 – 2014
Concept of Foreign Policy of the Czech Republic
The conception of a more efficient operation of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic in relation to foreign countries for the years 2013 – 2018
Strategy of Improved Care for Traditional Folk Culture in the Czech Republic 2011-2015
Act on International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid No. 151/2010 Coll.
Principles and Recommendations for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions
Concerning the last mentioned document on the support and promotion of the cultural diversity in our country, in 2012 the Ministry of Culture has started to summarize the ideas how the Convention can be more effectively implemented. This document contains information on the grant system and other tools of the Ministry of Culture which are designed to support diversity of cultural expressions, respect for other cultures, different traditions, values, social justice and protection of human rights.
Also in the years 2007-2013 the Ministry of Culture has impemented the Concept for more efficient support of the Arts. These days, the Ministry is woring on its actualisation for the next few years.
The purpose of this measure is the dissemination of ideas about cultural diversity in all areas of culture and especially in support of the arts.
The Ministry of Culture has in gestion 29 state-funded organizations: National Museum in Prague, National Technical Museum, The Museum of Czech Literature (PNP), The Moravian Museum, Museum of Arts Olomouc, National Gallery in Prague, Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague,The Moravian Gallery in Brno, National Film Archive, Technical Museum in Brno, The Silesia Museum, National Theatre, The Hussite Museum in Tabor, Arts and Theatre Institute, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Prague Philharmonic Choir, Museum of Romani Culture in Brno, Wallachian Open-Air Museum, The J. A. Comenius Museum in Uherský Brod, Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou, National Library of the Czech Republic, Moravian Library in Brno, Library and Printing Office for the Blind, National Monument Institution, National Information and Consulting Centre for Culture (NIPOS), National Cultural Monument Terezin, National Institute of Folklore Culture, The intention of Lidice Memorial, Museum of Puppets in Chrudim.
These organizations complement activities of the Ministry of Culture in the field of theatre, music, monuments, museums, galleries, libraries, film, traditional and folk arts. These institutions offers services for different groups of people: general public, families with children, students, cultural proffessionals etc.
State funded organizationa manage its own cash proceeds activity and funds from other people, especially from the budget of its founder. The founder of the organization provides subsidized contribution to the operation in relation to performance or other criteria of its needs.
This measure is implemented by regular actualisations of the above mentioned national documents taking into account the importance of cultural diversity. It can be proved on the example of National Cultural Policy. The term cultural diversity is ordinarily used. One of the specific objectives sounds: “Utilization of an open coordination method aimed at more effective enforcement of the protection of cultural values and development of cultural diversity throughout the conceptual practices of regional and municipal bodies.”
No difficulties have been encountered during the implementation of this measure. We hope that incorporation of this theme into official documents will prepare the ground for concrete steps to protect and promote the diversity of cultural expressions on the cultural scene in the Czech Republic.
The impact of the official documents is regularly monitored by different methods. For example the implementation of the National Cultural Policy is monitored every year and the Ministry of Culture report on it. The diversity of cultural expressions is now frequently mentioned in our official documents and is put into practice.