President appointed Prof. Jindřich Vybíral as the rector of UMPRUM

On Thursday, January 31, prof. PhDr. et PaedDr. Jindřich Vybíral, CSc. was appointed by the President of the Czech Republic as the rector of the University of Applied Arts in Prague. He took office on Friday, February 1, 2019, after the eight-year term of prof. ak. arch. Jindřich Smetana.

The new rector of UMPRUM, prof. Vybíral plans to build on the work of his predecessor and, in addition to the Mikulandská project, aims to continue the preparation of a program for the restoration of applied arts, intensify cooperation with industry, and further support artistic research. Moreover, he wants to deepen the topic of internationalization, expand interdepartmental cooperation, and focus on social responsibility.

"The more than a century-long existence of the school as a top artistic institution in both Czech and European contexts represents a commitment. The school must maintain its unique position in the new century. It must continue to guarantee a high level of teaching that meets the needs of students while also challenging them for further growth. UMPRUM will remain an environment where talents thrive," says the new rector of UMPRUM, prof. Jindřich Vybíral.

The arrival of the new rector will not bring significant changes to the school's administration. Only professor Jiří Pelcl will be replaced in the position of vice-rector for external relations and international cooperation by the current head of the Studio of Typeface and Typography and head of the Department of Graphics, MgA. Radek Sidun. The vice-rector for academic affairs Ing. Jarmila Kemrová, the vice-rector for science and research Mgr. Cyril Říha, Ph.D., and the bursar Mgr. Petr Pelcl will continue in their positions. Emeritus rector professor Jindřich Smetana and his predecessor and closest collaborator, professor Jiří Pelcl, will continue to cooperate with the school.

---

Jindřich Vybíral (*1960, Opava) has been with the University of Applied Arts since 1996. From 1997 to 2003, he served as vice-rector and from 2011 to 2018, he was the chairman of the Academic Senate. Since 2006, he has been the head of the Department of Theory and History of Art. He is a member of the Scientific Council of the National Gallery, the National Heritage Institute, and Ostrava University, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Institute of Art History of the CAS, and a member of the editorial boards of the journal Umění and Journal of Art Historiography (UK). His research focuses mainly on the history of 19th and 20th-century architecture and the methodology of art history. He is the author of dozens of scholarly books and publications.

The University of Applied Arts in Prague was established in 1885. Throughout its existence, it has ranked among the highest-quality educational institutions in the country. The number of successful graduates, who are respected professionals with prestige extending beyond the borders of the Czech Republic, is evidence of this. The school is divided into departments of architecture, design, fine arts, applied arts, graphics, and the Department of Theory and History of Art. Each department is further divided into studios according to their specialization, led by recognized figures in the Czech artistic scene. Twice a year, the school opens to the public for presentations of student works called "Artsemestr." It organizes more than 15 exhibition events annually, half of which take place abroad. Prague's UMPRUM is the only East European school featured in the rankings of prestigious European and world art schools.