The century-old factory in Humpolec will be transformed into an art zone by April

Jihlava - The more than one hundred-year-old building of the former textile factory in Humpolec will transform into an arts zone called 8smička by next spring. In addition to exhibition spaces, there will be a café, a bookstore, and a lecture room, offering a program for the public. The opening exhibition will be dedicated to textile artists, in honor of the former purpose of this factory for cloth. It will be opened on April 18, 2018, along with the entire zone, said Marcela Straková, executive director of the 8smička Foundation, to the ČTK today.

"This new institution will bring mainly modern and contemporary art to the people in the region," Straková stated. There will be three major exhibitions held annually at 8smička, prepared specifically for Humpolec in collaboration with external curators. "We will also announce calls for young and emerging artists," she added regarding other activities. Local entrepreneurs are responsible for securing the project's financing, but did not disclose the amount of costs.

The zone, covering a total area of around 3000 square meters, is being established on Kamarytova Street, neighboring the city park Stromovka. The former woolen fabric factory of Karel Trnka became part of the national enterprise Sukno after 1948, like other local textile mills. At that time, it was assigned the serial number 08. There was a spinning mill in it until 1989. The reconstruction of the three-story building for its new use has been ongoing since last November. The work has progressed to the final third.

For the gallery to function properly, it needs, among other things, suitable technological facilities. The spaces must have a stable climate and special lighting, said František Čekal from the architectural studio OK Plan, which is responsible for the reconstruction project. The building from the late 19th century has undergone many construction modifications in the past, including changes to the windows, according to Čekal. Forty specially manufactured windows with metal frames are being newly installed for this purpose. Their shape and division resemble factory windows used a hundred years ago. The brick factory chimney, which is 50 meters tall, will be enhanced with unique evening lighting by the opening of the zone, along with the entire building with the gallery. Admission to 8smička will be eight crowns.