In Ostrava, a database of sculptures will be created accessible on the internet

The City of Ostrava - A database of sculptures will be created in Ostrava. It will be accessible on the internet and is intended to prevent the destruction of certain works. According to the project's authors, some sculptures in housing estates are mainly at risk. They were inspired by the fate of the sculpture "Směrník," which used to stand in front of the station in Havířov and was set to be destroyed. Activists ensured its transfer to the Michal Mine complex in Ostrava. Ilona Rozehnalová from the association "Za krásnou Ostravu" informed ČTK about the project.
    "The threat of destruction of Směrník by the sculptor and artist Václav Uruba was another impetus for us. It is important to map the situation. For people to realize that often these are valuable works. Our database should help people develop a relationship with the sculptures in their vicinity, and we will also actively work to protect those at risk of demolition," she said.
    A similar fate as Směrník in Havířov now threatens the fountain in front of the Luna Cinema in Ostrava-Zábřeh. The cinema is undergoing reconstruction and construction work is set to continue this year around the building. The original fountain is expected to make way for a new relaxation zone. "We are convinced that it should be preserved. We will strive for that," Rozehnalová stated.
    The fountain is located in the middle of a large housing estate. According to her, sculptures from the second half of the 20th century are particularly at risk. "They are relatively young, located in housing estates, and people haven't built a relationship with them yet," she explained.
    Rozehnalová expects that the database of Ostrava's sculptures could consist of several hundred items. However, the final number will be determined by an expert commission. This will include, for example, the project's author Radovan Lipus and conservationist Martin Strakoš. Only high-quality works should be selected.
    The database will be created starting this June. It will be publicly accessible. Members of the "Za krásnou Ostravu" association expect to eventually publish a printed map or a printed publication.