Organizers of events criticize the cancellation of support in the Creative Brno program

Brno – Organizers of several cultural and educational events in Brno criticize the cancellation of grant support in the sixth call of the Pro Kreativní Brno program, which is a support program for creative industries. According to them, the November decision of the city council damages the authentic Brno culture and the city's cooperation with local communities. They stated this in an open letter. Councilor Martin Příborský (ODS), who is in charge of this issue, responded that some projects do not fulfill the purpose of the program or had disproportionately high costs. The letter and the response to it are published on the Creative Brno website.

The authors of the letter stated that they do not understand the change of position after five successful rounds and the announcement of the sixth round. "We, the creators and implementers of cultural and educational events, take this shift in the thinking of Brno's councilors as a devaluation of our work and our efforts," they wrote.

The cancellation of funding for the already announced round, according to them, puts applicants and potential recipients in a complicated situation. "Among the events were occurrences that make our city unique and give it a specific identity. You are damaging not only joyful events for residents like the Christmas Embroidery, but also professionally important events like the conference on the cultivation of urban public space," they stated. The decision harms events such as Open House Brno or open studios, for example. They also perceive the fact that some events have already taken place as a problem.

"For example, I do not think it is appropriate to reimburse 100,000 CZK for a discussion moderator. Furthermore, there were high expenses for promotion and others that I do not consider suitable to be covered by the city budget," wrote councilor Příborský in response to the organizers' objections. He also mentioned, among other things, that in the coming weeks, the city leadership will discuss and propose amendments to the conditions of support for creative industries. However, he rejects the idea that the city has harmed anyone. A grant applicant must reckon with the possibility that their application may fail, he believes.

The event organizers disagree. According to them, the projects did not claim exorbitant financial support.