The commissioner deciding on the city of culture was approached by people in Ostrava

Ostrava - A panel of four commissioners rated their visit to Ostrava yesterday as predominantly positive, as they will decide today which Czech city will be able to boast the title of European Capital of Culture in 2015. In addition to Ostrava, Plzeň is also vying for the title. During their stay in the Moravian-Silesian metropolis, the commissioners were especially impressed by the local people. According to the commission chairman Robert Scott, Ostrava, regardless of the outcome of the competition, has already gained its own advantage from the candidacy process itself.
    "My first impressions are definitely very positive. I was most impressed by the people because we met a variety of individuals in a very short time. We encountered very wealthy individuals, cultural figures, artists, and politicians, all of whom placed culture very high on their agendas," Scott told reporters.
    Polish juror Danuta Glondys praised especially the connection of the residents with the city’s candidacy and the energy of the local people. "People have such energy that they could light up half of the Czech Republic," said Glondys.
    The juror Olga Poivre d'Arvor-Kubelková also left Ostrava with good impressions. "It was incredibly interesting. I think everyone discovered things they had never seen before...definitely very useful and beautiful in every way," noted the juror, who, like others, believes that the decision on the winner will be very difficult and feels a tremendous responsibility.
    "The competition is quite tough...that decision will be hard. Foreign participants unanimously say that these are two very strong applications, and that the decision will be very close and very challenging," believes another juror, Roman Bělor. He described Ostrava as an extraordinarily interesting city that is undergoing tumultuous development.
    The commissioners were able to familiarize themselves with the so-called Lower Vítkovice Area in the Moravian-Silesian metropolis, where an exhibition titled "World of Technology" is expected to be established by 2015, featuring a Science Center with interactive models and exhibits as its main attraction. At the Landek Mining Museum, they could discuss with prominent figures from cultural life and other experts.
    Ostrava has invested over 70 million crowns in the candidacy preparations. The key project of the city is transforming the Černá louka area into a new district combining cultural and educational institutions with residential spaces.
    The international project European Capital of Culture was established in 1985 at the initiative of Greek Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri and is considered a sort of cultural Olympics. The title allows two selected cities to showcase their cultural uniqueness and diversity to Europe for one year and realize the outlined project. In 2015, Belgium, where a winner has already been chosen, and the Czech Republic will have this opportunity.
    Today, 13 commissioners appointed by the European Commission and the Ministry of Culture will decide between Ostrava and Plzeň in Prague. The winner will be announced around 4:15 PM. "I think the decision will be made on Wednesday; we will argue about questions that will concern how this is an ambitious project," said the director of Ostrava 2015, Čestmír Kopecký.
    A special happening is being prepared in Ostrava, which will begin in the central Masaryk Square at 2 PM. Residents can come to show their support for their city and watch the announcement of results live on a large screen. The event will include concerts, including a performance by the band Kryštof. The event is not an official part of the candidacy, but it is a spontaneous initiative by the city's supporters in the fight for the prestigious title.