Architect Jan Soukup is one of this year's icons of Plzeň

Ing. arch. Jan Soukup (*1946)

Plzeň - The Plzeň publisher, scientists from the Faculty of Medicine at Charles University in Plzeň, manufacturers of outdoor clothing, the head of the Wildlife Rescue Station, and even the CEO of Škoda Transportation have become icons of the year 2012 alongside other iconic individuals from Plzeň. The West Bohemian metropolis has found innovators and pioneers from both business and non-commercial sectors who inspire those around them. The icons will now be photographed by Herbert Slavík, and the photography exhibition will be accessible from September 26. Mirka Reifová from the Plzeň 2015 organization, which is hosting the project, said this today.
    "The public nominated over 50 individuals. A jury consisting mainly of last year's icons chose 13 names representing positive role models in the areas of business and innovative initiatives," she stated.
    This is already the third year of the project; in the previous two years, people first nominated women and then men, always with links to Plzeň. Each time, nominations came from about 30 proposals. "This year we selected personalities who managed to bring large and small projects to life. The criterion was that they came up with something refreshing and were able to make their mark," said Alexandra Brabcová from the implementation team.
    This year's icons include academic painter Josef Mištera, who built and leads the Institute of Art and Design in Plzeň, the rector of the University of West Bohemia Ilona Mauritzová, architect Jan Soukup, the director of the Plzeň publishing house Jiří Fraus, CEO of Škoda Transportation Josef Bernard, and head of the Wildlife Rescue Station Karel Makoň. Additionally, there are Martin and Jana Fojtíčkovi, founders of the non-profit organization Ledovec supporting people with mental or psychological disabilities, scientists Mojmír Petráň and in memoriam Milan Hadravský, who patented the confocal microscope. Also awarded were Stanislav Krpejš and Hana Zachariášová, founders of the company Hannah focused on sports and outdoor activities, and academic painter and restorer Jaroslav Šindelář, who founded, owns, and leads the art school Zámeček.
    All of them will now face a one-day photo shoot in front of Herbert Slavík's lens, during which they will present their work. "It is important that they feel good during the shooting. I always start from what each person does and what environment feels natural to them. Therefore, I want to get to know the icons first, and from the first meeting, it will become clear how I will work with each during the shoot," Slavík stated.
    The large-format photos will be displayed in the Mlýnská strouha in the city center. The event is part of the Plzeň - European Capital of Culture 2015 project.