Cultivate Space 2016 - Open Call

Modification of the sources at Roudná, the live jukebox Plzeňský zpěvomat, the Křížky project, and aliens mapping small art and sacred monuments – these are just some of the ideas from the citizens of Plzeň that have been implemented in recent years thanks to the Pěstuj prostor project. The fourth year of the Open Call is taking place until the end of February, during which people can contribute further suggestions for small changes in public spaces. A total of 300,000 CZK from the budget of the statutory city of Plzeň will be allocated for the implementation of selected projects, and support has also been promised by some city districts.
“For several years, we have been striving to contribute to making Plzeň a city that listens to the wishes of its citizens. We want people to have a reason to stay here even in their free time, and some of them actively engage in improving the places they care about,” says architect Marek Sivák from the Pěstuj prostor association, which organizes the Open Call. “The high participation of people in volunteer events and the interest in culture organized in unconventional places convinces us that we are going in the right direction,” he adds.
The call is open to everyone – from children to seniors. Suggestions can be submitted via the form on the website pestujprostor.plzne.cz (until February 29, 2016) or sent by mail to Pěstuj prostor, z. s., Táborská 10, 326 00 Plzeň (by February 22, 2016).
People can submit their ideas in two categories. The grant category “I want to cultivate public space” is intended for active individuals and organizations who want to implement their idea themselves and need financial and professional assistance. Suggestions from the non-grant category “I have an idea and I will help with it” will be realized by the Pěstuj prostor association in cooperation with their authors. Authors of previously supported projects may also apply for a grant for further continuation of their activities, but they can receive financial support for the same project a maximum of three times.
“In March, a jury composed of independent experts and representatives of the city will select the best ideas. The city of Plzeň has allocated 300,000 CZK for the implementation of suggestions from the grant category, with each project receiving a maximum of 100,000 CZK,” said Silvie Hašlová, coordinator of the Open Call for Pěstuj prostor. Financial and organizational support has also been promised by some city districts – for instance, the Plzeň 1 district will support projects from both categories located within its territory with a total amount of 150,000 CZK. Authors of the winning suggestions will also receive professional assistance from the Pěstuj prostor team and Plzeň 2015, z. ú.

More information >