People today again protested against the postponement of the repairs of the Czech Budějovice House of Arts

České Budějovice - A part of the residents of České Budějovice is protesting against the city's leadership's decision to postpone the repairs of the House of Art. Today, they gathered in front of the building; the demonstration was called for the second time by the initiative We Won't Give Up the House of Art, with about 100 people attending. The city's leadership justified the decision to not reconstruct the house at this time due to a lack of funds that are, according to the city hall, needed elsewhere. The costs for the renovation of the House of Art would be over 150 million crowns, according to the city. The protest's organizers rejected this amount, stating it would be about 90 million CZK excluding VAT. Co-founder of the initiative Michal Hořejší therefore called on supporters of the House of Art's reconstruction to attend the city council meeting on Monday and demand an explanation.

"Deputy Petr Maroš (ODS) stated at the December city council meeting that the reconstruction of the House of Art would mean a burden on the budget of 2025 amounting to 150–250 million CZK. Since this amount greatly exceeds the sum with which the project was tendered, we asked the city for information. The estimated price of the reconstruction, taking into account the current pricing of work and materials, is approximately 89 million CZK excluding VAT," Hořejší mentioned in a letter to the city council.

This amount would also be spread over three years, he added. The House of Art was also part of the concept of České Budějovice as the European Capital of Culture 2028.

A working group consisting of the heads of representative clubs from all political parties was formed regarding the House of Art. This group will decide whether the House of Art will be reconstructed or if its function will change. Currently, it houses the Gallery of Contemporary Art and Architecture and two departments of the city hall.

"A study is also underway for the use of all spaces for cultural and creative industries in the city, including the adequate use of the entire House of Art," said the city's mayor Dagmar Škodová Parmová (ODS). The study is expected to be completed by the end of April and beginning of May. After that, according to the mayor, a decision will be made.

The architectural competition for the House of Art was announced by the city in 2020. According to the proposal, the building was to include an information center, exhibition gallery, educational center, offices, interactive space, rooftop terrace, and social and technical facilities. The building thus has processed documentation with an issued building permit. The project has an approved grant of more than 20 million crowns.