Plzeň is looking for a head for the EHMK project

Plzeň - Plzeň has started searching for a new director for the European Capital of Culture (EHMK) project in 2015. Interested parties can apply until May 15, with the expected start date for the position being July 1. The city hall published the details of the selection procedure, for example, on the Ministry of Culture's website. They are looking for a person who can, among other things, connect people and has long-term knowledge and experience in management in an international context, as well as experience working in the private and public sectors.
     "So far, we have published this in several institutions in the Czech Republic, we are working on press advertisements, and plans for publication abroad are underway," said Mirka Reifová from the city company Plzeň 2015, which is preparing and ensuring the project.
     It is expected that the new head of the Plzeň 2015 company will lead the project into the key year 2015. Among their main tasks will be outreach and securing sponsors; upon taking office, they must also create and implement a communication strategy, including a concept for tourism and more. It is also necessary to unify the project team.
     The project was previously led by Tomáš Froyda, who resigned last November in favor of leading the Alfa Theatre. Before Froyda, the project was managed by Milan Svoboda. Currently, Erich Beneš, director of the European Project Coordination Department of the city of Plzeň, is temporarily in charge. "The third director must be the one who will lead the project to 2015," said the city's mayor Martin Baxa (ODS) earlier. According to him, it is realistic to fill the position within months.
     Recently, two European experts pointed out the weak effectiveness of teamwork within Plzeň 2015 and other issues while evaluating the state of preparations for the city hall. Oliver Scheytt and Mattijs Maussen criticized the poor communication with the public and the unclear program. They also suggested several measures that need to be taken. In searching for a new director, they recommended announcing an open international selection procedure. According to them, the city should seek "a strong and respected personality who will, among other things, be able to involve entrepreneurs and international personalities in the team."
     Plzeň has 16.5 million euros (around 420 million CZK) available for the 2015 program, which is about a third less than needed. They would like to obtain additional funds from the Plzeň Region and sponsors.