Press Release for the Discussion Round Table NČA

The Foundation of Czech Architecture organized a round table on January 24, 2011, on the topic of the Future of Architecture Galleries and the possibilities for their presentation today. We are pleased with the high attendance and interest in the following debate. We thank everyone who participated—whether as active participants or as discussants and spectators.
We considered it appropriate to once again offer the opportunity to lead both galleries to new interested parties after a certain period. This led us to the decision to announce a selection procedure. During the competition, which took place in June and July of last year, we repeatedly discussed possible models for managing both galleries and their connection to the NČA with both the applicants and independent members of the selection committee. We realized that many potential applicants and direct participants in the competition do not understand the limited possibilities for the Foundation to participate in the operation of the galleries, which are determined by current legislation. On the other hand, we knew that securing financial resources for operators/gallery managers is currently very difficult and time-consuming. We reached the conclusion that it is necessary to transform the galleries into places where exhibitions, whose production is the highest economic burden, will be just one of many activities, not the sole activity. Therefore, the selection procedure was the initial impulse for organizing a round table, from which we draw the following conclusions:

• The Foundation received feedback that both gallery houses are important for the architectural community, thus it perceives the support of both houses as a priority.
• The Foundation has come to the conclusion that it is possible for both galleries to compete with large exhibition spaces precisely through their alternative nature, by seeking lively, non-exclusive themes. Thus, they will not compete, but rather complement the spectrum.
• The goal is not to build two brick-and-mortar galleries. The aim is to create a space that the architectural community will naturally use and inhabit.
• Important centers should develop in both houses, as is already happening in our delight due to the initiatives of Brno's gallery managers.
• At the end of last year, the Foundation set itself the task of contributing to the same shift in Prague and is working on freeing up a suitable space on the ground floor.
• The Foundation perceives the differences in the environment and conditions of the Prague and Brno houses. The Prague gallery bears the weight of past years when it functioned for a long time as the only specialized brick-and-mortar gallery. It is necessary to manage a subtle task: to not relinquish this continuity, while gradually changing the gallery towards an open center.
• Exhibitions will not be the only activities supported and subsidized by us in both houses. Discussion evenings, workshops, meetings, films, press conferences, and other activities that the field currently brings will also receive space and support. The "Architectural House" should thus become a place I go to when looking for a space to meet colleagues, where I can calmly read the latest issues of architectural magazines, where I can organize a weekly workshop, a lecture from a trip, a birthday celebration, an exhibition of student works ....
• For its actions, the Foundation requires continuous feedback from all those who care about the professional social life. The Foundation calls for cooperation, discussion, and comments from all members of the architectural community whose assets are managed by the Foundation.
• The Foundation will continue to deal with finding the ideal relationship: foundation-operator-gallery manager. The employee-employer relationship is not legislatively possible, and the landlord-operator relationship is burdened with uncertainty. It is necessary to continuously seek a balanced and functioning relationship.
• The Foundation has decided to financially support both galleries to the maximum extent permitted by current legislative conditions. This entails a reassessment of the existing grant policy for NČA. This topic was mentioned several times during an informal discussion at the end of the round table. However, we believe it would be right to dedicate a separate block to it. We are therefore considering organizing a separate "round table" where this topic will be discussed.